Face of Metro Police calls it a day
MARTINDALE – Well known spokesperson has his last roadblock operation as he heads to retirement.
After 41 years of loyal, disciplined and honourable service, Metro police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar had his last day of service on February 28.
The City of Johannesburg and the Public Safety Department hosted a ceremonial roadblock and formal event to say farewell to the person who had become the face and voice of the Metro police as he retires.
Minnaar said, “I have worn my uniform and badge for 41 years with pride and as I retire I can look back on the service I gave the citizens of the city of Joburg with honour.”
Minnaar’s career began in January 1981 as a traffic officer. In 1983, he worked at the Freeway Patrol Unit and worked there for eight years. One of the highlights of his career came in 1991 when he had the privilege to travel with a group of officers to Namibia to attend the inauguration of Namibia’s first Prime Minister Sam Nujoma after the country was granted independence.
The same year he was promoted to Senior Patrol Traffic Officer, working in the Yeoville area and a year later as the Assistant Superintendent in Hillbrow.
In 1994, he was transferred to Rosettenville as a Superintendent and at the end of the year, he was requested to head the School Driver Education Programme to prepare matriculants for their driving tests.
He then focused his energy on the Scholar Patrol Programme, going to schools throughout Johannesburg and giving support to teachers and learners of the programme until 2001. This was the year the current Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) was established and in May 2002, he was appointed Chief Superintendent and spokesperson, positions he held until his retirement.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety and former Chief of Metro Police David Tembe said, “While it is sad to say goodbye to a colleague of stature as Wayne, I am glad that his work ethic has rubbed off among his colleagues and we are confident that the new members who worked with him have learnt a lot from him and will take the baton and advance the image and reputation of JMPD.
“Wayne, we are very grateful to have been part of your life and that you have been a pillar of JMPD’s family.”
All in attendance thanked Minnaar for his more than four decades of respect, honour, assistance, leadership, support and guidance.
