Fairland Police Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Clive de Freitas has spent his entire adult life, almost 30-years, fighting crime and working to keep South Africa safe. He, like all men and women in the police force, don their blue uniforms each morning knowing the risks each day could bring, and doing it anyway.
For many though, the reality of being in a life-threatening situation remains just that, a threat. For de Freitas it became a reality when he was shot in the head and shoulder with an AK47.
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In 2001 whilst on patrol in Mondeor, south of the city, de Freitas, then an inspector, noticed a suspicious double cab bakkie driving past Southgate Mall. He made a U-turn to investigate, causing the bakkie to suddenly speed off triggering a high-speed pursuit.
He said, “The vehicle then suddenly stopped and out through the back windows came an AK47 which began to shoot. The first bullets hit the road, but it has become a very serious situation.” They called for backup and soon eight suspects were in custody and police had emerged victorious against the criminals.
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De Freitas had meanwhile lost consciousness and woke up in the ICU where he was treated, and luckily survived.
Over the course of his career, he has been shot at multiple times, and as recently as last week was attending an intense operation held in conjunction with other stations to root out criminal elements from communities.
“I have been a policeman since 1994 and still love my job. I can’t imagine doing anything else which is why I’m still doing it. As police, we can’t be scared if we want to do our jobs well, we take an oath to protect the citizens of South Africa and we do it with pride.”
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He grew up in the South of Johannesburg where he still lives and where he began his proud career. He has been a general member of the police, has worked in the Soweto and Johannesburg flying squads, the riot units, air operations and was a detective. He says his heart lies with operational duties though.
“When I was at school, I always knew I wanted to be a policeman and luckily when I applied to join the force, I was successful and have never looked back.”
He describes working with brave and committed men and women and was at pains to downplay any role or bravery he has had. “We are all brave and I am not special in that and many members have paid the ultimate price with their lives so I feel uncomfortable with any attention.”
Earlier this year, Fairland police station under his watch was ranked in the top four out of 143 stations in the province under the efficiency index.
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