VRYHEID KZN: One of Vryheid’s first female police officers passes away

In August 1974, Martie Schneider (néé Jonker) and Rina van Jaarsveld were the first two female police officers who were stationed at Vryheid SAPS. It is with sadness that the Vryheid Herald received the news this week of the recent passing of Martie. Both Martie and Rina matriculated at Vryheid High School before joining the South African Police College in Pretoria. They underwent five months of tough training and some of their subjects included Criminal Proceedings and the investigation of a crime. Part of their training included learning how to shoot and march, while receiving the exact same basic training as their male counterparts.

Both these ladies enjoyed the shooting training the most, as well as the cleaning and preparation for a general inspection, which created a lot of fun among the two women. Martie originally wanted to be a social worker, but she succumbed to the attraction of an adventurous profession instead. After completing her training, she accepted her first position in the SAPS in Vryheid. Even though she was mainly responsible for the administrative tasks, she was sometimes involved in assisting during accidents and the arrest of female suspects.

Condolences to Martie’s family, friends and ex-colleagues.

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