This weekend Welkom experienced the largest reunion of past police officers, both male and female, who served in the Goldfields from 1972 to 1985.
From 27 to 29 January more than 84 former police members and their spouses converged on the region they once called home. Between them they boast with 1 840 years of service in the SAPS.
“A highlight of the weekend was on Sunday, when former captain Piet van Eck, who is the current chairman of the League of Former Police Members, accepted a commemorative roll of honour containing the names of 129 police members who served in the Goldfields, and who are no longer with us,” said Col Brian Emmenis, who was master of ceremonies and who is also a former Goldfields police officer.
The plaque was handed over by former WO Gert de Nekker, who was part of the organising team.
“Over the weekend many great stories were told, and many memories were shared,” said Emmenis.
“The police units represented ranged from the old murder and robbery squad, the detectives, the dog unit, maintenance, security branch, the bomb squad to radio control and a many of the others.
“Some of those who attended the reunion said tongue in cheek that if these 84 members present were given a shot back on duty in the Goldfields, they would solve and sort out the serious crime problems quickly.”
