NEWCASTLE – They are the normal next-door neighbours by day, but crime fighters by night. This is how residents have come to think of Newcastle 911 Policing Forum members, Elmarie and Hansie Liebenberg.
The couple, 28-year-old Elmarie and 27-year-old Hansie, joined Newcastle 911 in July last year, and have not looked back ever since.
“Being part of Newcastle 911 is very rewarding, especially knowing you have helped get a criminal off the streets, and have been instrumental to helping Newcastillians feel safe,” said Hansie.
Being 911 responders is a passion the couple share, and they enjoy the action and adrenaline that come with the job.
“I would also rather spend my time keeping Newcastle safe than going out wasting money on alcohol,” said Elmarie.
Being the crime fighting couple they are, Elmarie and Hansie are known by their code name, the Lemas, by their fellow 911 members, and they fully embrace the name.
“We are always together, so instead of being called individually, we are called the Lemas,” Elmarie laughed.
The Liebenbergs dedicate much of their time to 911, and spend at least three hours patrolling during the week, and usually 24 hours over a weekend.
When they are not combating crime, the Lemas are your average working couple. Hansie is a water plant operator, and Elmarie is an administrative controller.
Hansie was raised in Paulpietersburg by his mother and her sister. He said being raised by a single mother taught him to respect women and their role in society.
“It also made me a better man, and the man I am today. My mother was my ultimate role model and my pillar of strength.”
Around six years ago, he relocated from his hometown to Newcastle, and met Elmarie.
It was love at first sight, and the couple got married a year later, and have been in love ever since. Although they have not yet started a family of their own, their four dogs, Farrah, Rex, Chaka and Lady. are the children of the house, and receive much love and attention.
Read the full story in the Newcastle Advertiser newspaper out every Thursday.
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