Ronald saddles up to lead the way at equestrian unit

At the helm of the EMPD Equestrian Unit is Senior Supt Ronald Botha.

Ronald has a long career with the EMPD, having started his career at the old Benoni Traffic Department in 1996.

“I was always interested in the reaction units and I am a great animal lover, having grown up with farming in my youth,” he said.
Ronald had a love for the reaction units and he eventually moved to the K9 Unit.

“I was there for a short while and then the opportunity to move to the EMPD Equestrian Unit presented itself, and I have been with the unit ever since,” Ronald said.

He started at the equestrian unit in 2006.

He moved his way up the ranks in the EMPD, eventually being promoted to senior superintendent.

He runs the EMPD Equestrian Unit with an open-door policy in a transparent manner.

“I have a great team,” he said.

“It is one of the best in the EMPD.

“You don’t have to plead with anyone to do their jobs, they just do them.”

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Ronald started riding at the age of 16 and it is a pleasure and honour for him to be able to do his job on horseback.

After Ronald matriculated from Hoërskool Hans Moore in 1995, he started to learn a trade as a fitter and turner, but the company he worked for took a knock.

His mother worked for the council and she heard there were posts available at the traffic department.

Ronald applied and his career began.

He studied a management diploma in order to work up the ranks and is grateful for the opportunities he received to study further.

Ronald is married to Anzelle and the couple have a son, Reuben (11).

Both he and Anzelle enjoy the outdoors and when he is not working he enjoys hunting, fishing and camping.

They also enjoy mountain biking as a family.

“I love my job at the EMPD Equestrian Unit and do not plan on going anywhere else,” he said.