SEDIBENG – It’s not every day that crime fighters reach a four-decade milestone in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

But for Warrant Officer Renier Wickham Swart, October 22 will forever be a date to remember.

This comes as ‘Wicky,’ as his colleagues affectionately call him, celebrates 40 years of service in the force.

Starting his policing journey back in 1985 at Vanderbijlpark SAPS as a student, Swart quickly showed promise as he moved up the ranks.

After completing training at Pretoria College, he was stationed at Vereeniging Public Order Policing (POP), where his reputation as an elite operational officer began to take shape.

According to a statement issued by Benoni Flying Squad spokesperson Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, Swart was a formidable officer from the start.

“Swart has established himself as a highly skilled and well-respected Trainer in the POP environment and has continued with upskilling himself throughout his career.”

“He has thus been able to share his invaluable knowledge and experiences, contributing towards the development of colleagues to ensure equal opportunities for all as inscribed in the SAPS Code of Conduct,” said Giblin.

Griblin added that Swart’s expertise even earned him a role in developing early training manuals for the National Intervention Unit, and in 2000, he was tasked by then Brigadier ‘Happy’ Schutte to train all Gauteng POP Reaction.

In 1990, Swart dove quite literally into a new chapter of his career, joining the Water Police Diving Services (WPDS).

Today, he proudly holds the title of Gauteng’s longest-serving police diver, commanding the Sedibeng Dive Point since 2007.

Among the countless moments of bravery in his 40-year career, one night stands out. Swart and his dive team rescued five people who were swept away by floodwaters in Kromelmboogspruit near the R59 highway.

“For this, he earned the SAPS Silver Commendation Medal in 2018, accompanied by a Certificate of Commendation by the Minister of Safety & Security in 2021. Besides this medal, Swart has seven other medals in his decorative career, which will be joined shortly by his 40-year medal,” said Giblin.

Swart’s WPDS Commanders praised his dedicated and loyal service throughout the years and the time he spent at Water Policing.

As he prepares to retire in July 2026, Wicky remains committed to his duties until the very end.