Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar celebrates 35 years of service within the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) this year.
It all started in 1981 when he joined law enforcement as a traffic officer and through the years he rose through the ranks until he was appointed official spokesperson in 2001 when JMPD was realised.
“I have always had a passion to serve and protect the vulnerable groups of society such as children and the elderly,” Supt Minnaar said. He explained that before he became a traffic officer he had tried his hand at different jobs – diamond cutting, the motor trade and he even spent a year at a teaching college.
“I found my niche being a traffic officer and wearing my uniform every day. Serving the community is what I live for,” he explained.
The father of two pointed out that what helped him to keep a clean record was his dedication and discipline as well as maintaining a balance between work and home.
“I am grateful that I have an understanding wife whom I have been married to for 35 years. Sometimes I have early morning or even late night interviews I must do, sometimes I have reports to file at all hours of the day and my wife completely understands that this is the nature of the job,” Supt Minnaar said.
The highlight of his career was when he escorted former President Nelson Mandela to his daughter’s wedding in 1992.
“The lowest point of my career was when I was knocked over by a car while manning traffic and ended up in hospital for over three months. I stayed in Brenthurst Clinic in Parktown,” he added.
Supt Minnaar pointed out that JMPD officers’ lives were always in danger from criminals who target the weapons that the officers carried. “One of the most difficult tasks is to go to the home of fallen officers to break the news of their death to their families,” he lamented.
He cautioned drivers to keep to the rules of the road as an accident could occur in a split second.“Be courteous, stick to the speed limit, don’t drive recklessly and do not drink and drive as these are the main reasons why accidents occur,” Minnaar said.
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