She dives into the murky depths to bring closure to grieving families

This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Youth Month by celebrating its young men and women in blue who go above and beyond the call of duty.
When tragedy strikes along the water’s edge, Const. Monica Delport (28) is not the type to stand back. She dives in – literally – to help grieving families find answers when their worst fears come true.
Based at Zamdela Rural Safety in the Free State, Delport has quietly become one of the most dependable helping hands in some of the province’s most heartbreaking moments – search and recovery missions following drowning incidents.

In the cold, murky waters of the Vaaldam and surrounding rivers, her role is clear: bring closure to those left behind.

In the cold, murky waters of the Vaaldam and surrounding rivers, her role is clear: bring closure to those left behind.
Delport grew up in Sasolburg, surrounded by the strength of service. Her father, a respected police officer, and her aunt, a member of the elite K9 Parliamentary Unit in Cape Town, were constant reminders that a life dedicated to others is a life worth living. That inspiration led her to join the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2019.
From the moment she stepped into the Graaff-Reinet Training College, she stood out – not just for her determination, but for her discipline. She was awarded Best Overall Student and named the Fittest Female Recruit that year – achievements that would lay the foundation for the challenging path ahead.
After serving on the front lines of community complaints at Zamdela CSC, Delport felt the call to do more – to go where few others could or would.
In 2021, she paid for her own Open Water Diving course, and the following year, she earned her Advanced Diving certification. It was during an endangered species operation at Vaaldam in 2022 that she encountered the SAPS Diving Unit and made her interest known.
Her commitment didn’t go unnoticed. Slowly, she was drawn into official operations and now, as a learner diver, she plays a critical role in bringing missing persons home.

Her commitment didn’t go unnoticed

But she didn’t stop there. Determined to support every aspect of water-based operations, Delport again paid out of her own pocket to earn a skipper’s license – and since March this year, she has the authority to operate SAPS vessels on search and rescue missions.
“To give closure to families is the most rewarding part of this work,” says Delport. “When you’re down there and you find what you’re looking for – it’s emotional, but it’s also a kind of peace. You know you’ve done something that truly matters.”
Delport now has her sights set on deeper depths at the SAPS K9 Search and Rescue Unit, where she hopes to combine her diving skills with the power of K9 tracking to save even more lives – or help find the lost.
For now, it is her own K9 companion, Kenai, a cross-breed rescue dog, that is by her side which keeps her company.
Her journey is a testament to dedication, faith, and fearless service. And for those looking to follow in her footsteps, she offers this heartfelt advice: “Trust in God in everything you do. He has a plan for your life and will lead you to where you are needed.”
“Whether on land or beneath the waves, Delport continues to rise – not for recognition, but for the people who need her most,” says Capt. Loraine Earle of Free State SAPS Communication.