TO RETIRING MEMBERS
CCN Editor/reporter – George April
CAPE TOWN: Seven members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape have officially retired, with provincial management marking the occasion with a traditional walkout ceremony.
The farewell was held on Wednesday morning, 30 September 2026, at the SAPS Provincial Head Office in Alfred Street, Green Point.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi, together with members of SAPS management, joined colleagues in bidding farewell to the retiring members.
Those retiring are:
- Colonel J Alcock
- Colonel AJ Saulse
- Colonel LM Swart
- Lieutenant Colonel F Greef
- Lieutenant Colonel RJ Pool
- Captain LA Arendse
- Sergeant JHP Fourie
SAPS management wished the retirees a happy and fulfilling retirement, as well as prosperity and success in their future endeavours. The farewell has also attracted positive reactions from former and current members of the police on social media, with several praising the Western Cape for publicly recognising members at the end of their careers.
One commenter, Thembisile Elliot, congratulated the retirees and said their departure had set an example for others. “Rest well and take care of yourselves; they will remember and miss you,” Elliot wrote, adding a traditional message welcoming them into retirement.
Another commenter, SakhiAlulutho LastbornMagcoba Mapukata, singled out Junaid for special mention, saying he had learnt a great deal from him while serving in Athlone.
Elliot also compared the Western Cape ceremony with his own experience in the Free State, saying he had served for 37 years, having started his career in Beaufort West. He praised the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner for ensuring that retiring members, including a sergeant, were formally recognised.
“I am impressed that the sergeant is among the people who bid farewell,” Elliot commented, saying this was not something he had experienced in the Free State.
Cleo Frans Arnoldus also welcomed the initiative, describing the farewell as “a wonderful gesture from the new PC”.
Elliot further congratulated Lieutenant General Dyantyi, wishing the provincial commissioner wisdom and blessings in leading the province.
The messages reflect the significance of retirement for police members who have spent many years in the service, while highlighting the importance some former members place on being formally recognised when their careers come to an end.
SAPS management extended its best wishes to all seven retirees as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
