After an illness bravely borne, former Margate Saps Station Commander Brigadier William John Slabbert (58), died at his home in Uvongo on December 17.

Slabbert retired at the end of June, after an impressive 37-year career.

He was described as a truly respected leader, mentor and public servant.

The Ugu District Communication department said:  “Slabbert was a powerhouse of knowledge, experience and wisdom which always reflected in his management skills. He never hesitated in imparting all he knew to his members and everyone who had the privilege of crossing his path. He belongs to a generation of policemen that is rarely seen, a generation that we need to make a marked impact.”

Slabbert enlisted in the Saps in 1987 and was always destined for great things. He started his career as a constable in Durban North and Parkview, he then took up a Lieutenant post at Saps APS Ezinqoleni Detectives, then moved on to Harding Saps.

Later he served as the VISPOL commander at Port Shepstone Saps. Here he implemented ingenious ways to reduce crime and made a difference at every station he commanded.

After a short stint in Kokstad, he settled closer to home as Station Commander of Margate Saps. He was promoted in 2017 to Brigadier and dedicated the rest of his career in making Margate Saps.

As a result of his vision for the station he championed the fight against crime in his policing area and won many accolades for Margate.

Acting Station Commander of Margate Saps, Colonel David Nala, who knew Brigadier Slabbert for many years described him as a father figure to many, a good listener who spent time in the evenings with his members at the community service centre getting to know them better.

“He implemented many ideas which appeared may not work, but they did. He believed in possibilities. He loved chess. He fought for his members and never complained,” said Nala.

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