Bedfordview station commander Colonel Justus Geustyn retires after almost 40 years
The decorated officer served his last day with the station on September 29.
After nearly four decades of tireless commitment to the men in blue, Bedfordview station commander Colonel Justus Geustyn has retired.
The decorated officer served his last day with the station on September 29, marking the end of a career that spanned 39 years and nine months.
As he bid farewell to his colleagues and the community, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and protect the people of South Africa.
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“I will always be a policeman in my heart,” he said.
He joined the South African Police Service in 1984 at a small station in the Northern Cape called Kamieskroon.
Driven by a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others, he joined the force intending to serve the community.
“I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life by serving the community.
“The training in the beginning was difficult, but I loved being part of the force from the start. I have loved what I have been doing my whole career,” said Geustyn.
Geustyn’s rise through the ranks was marked by dedication and excellence.
From being a constable to being promoted to sergeant in 1986, other promotions followed leading to his position as a lieutenant.
He achieved a significant milestone in 1990 when the state president commissioned him as a commissioned officer.
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“I have seen many bad things throughout my career, shooting incidents, and accidents but have also seen good things.
“I have seen the police do good for the community and give justice to the people affected by crime,” he stated.
Over the years, he served at various police stations in the East Rand, including Alberton, Edenvale, Primrose, and Eden Park.
The police transferred him to Bedfordview Police Station in October 2019.
“It is a different community in Bedfordview, My previous station before coming to Bedfordview was Eden Park, where I worked with the poorest of the poor because 80% of the station area was informal settlements. Which is the opposite of Bedfordview,” he said.
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He spoke fondly of the support he received from the Bedfordview community, the former Community Policing Forum (CPF), and the current one.
“Some of the things that stood out for me serving this community in conjunction with the CPF and community involvement have to be Mandela Day and us establishing our own bathroom, the upgrading of the station as a whole and the neatness.
“The community of Bedfordview can feel proud to come to the police station,” he explained.
He said crime has always been a challenge and will continue to be a challenge however, with the help of the CPF and the community, the police can make a difference.
He also emphasised the impact of community collaboration, particularly with the CPF and security companies, in reducing home invasions in Bedfordview.
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“I ask the community to continue to work hand in hand with the force, assist like you have been doing, but don’t be afraid to also raise concerns if the police are not doing things correctly.
“Bring it to the attention of your station commander and keep supporting the police.
“The public must tell us when we do wrong but also when we do good,” he said.
He plans to spend quality time with his family and indulge in his passion for woodworking.
He offered heartfelt thanks to the community, former colleagues, CPFs, and security companies for their unwavering support over the years.
In parting words, he encouraged the younger police officers to view their role as a calling rather than just a job.
“Be prepared to serve your community,” he advised.
