Westville SAPS officers promoted for heroic deed

THE heroic deeds of two Westville SAPS valiant officers earned them a promotion from the rank of warrant officers to well-deserved captains.

Captain Robert Holmes and Captain Gerhard Visser were honoured as part of the National Commissioner’s Special Awards at the 2020 National Excellence Awards.

ALSO READ: SAPS links seven suspects to Westville shooting

“The quick reaction of Holmes and Visser, when a resident ran into the station on the morning of 28 November 2019, reporting an armed robbery in progress at the Village Market, is indicative of their exceptional patriotism and selfless acts to serve and protect the nation,” said Westville SAPS communications officer, Capt Elizabeth Squires.

“The two officers did not have time to strategise but worked in unison to ensure the suspects were deterred in their criminal endeavours. The incident received wide media coverage and had a positive and appreciative impact on the local community,” said Squires.

National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla Sitole, applauded their tactical moves and resilience and for staying calm during a dangerous gun battle.

He applauded the members and encouraged police officials to always be ready for any situation and when under attack, to use tactical moves to get out of a difficult situation without any loss of life.

At a function held for the two newly promoted captains, the acting station commander, Lt Col Joachim Sikhosana, congratulated Holmes and Visser on their well deserved promotion and also thanked them for their selflessness and for always going over and above their line of duties; and always showing commitment.

At the same function, Ruan Small was awarded with a plague by Lt Col J Sikhosana of appreciation for his bravery and selflessness for his actions which led to the successes achieve on the day of the shootout between heavily armed robbers and police.

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