Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - After an illustrious career in the police spanning almost 40 years, Brig Hendrik van Schalkwyk is looking forward to his retirement.
This seasoned police officer is preparing to leave his office in the Wespol Building in Potch for the very last time next week. As provincial head in the PES (Provincial Emergency Service) and FLASH component of SAPS NW he has paid his dues ensuring compliance and enforcement of firearm, liquor and second hand goods control legislation as well as to dispatch the provincial emergency services to different types of emergencies.
“Unfortunately, it is my time to go now. I enjoyed my career in the police immensely and is still not sure how I am going to adapt to life outside the blue uniform. For now, my first priority is to keep my wife happy, travel a bit and then decide if we want to retire in the bushveld or at the coast,’’ he smiles.
Van Schalkwyk joined the SAPS in April 1985 and began his career as a Constable at Graskop police station. Rising in ranks, he was stationed as station commander at Hendrina SAPS in 1992 where he served for 11 years, being honoured several times in those years at the police Excellence Awards for running the best police station in Mpumalanga.
In 2004, he landed in North West at the FLASH office and as a Lieutenant Colonel he was tasked with the implementation of the new Firearms Control Act. His promotion to Colonel came in 2005 and from 2012-2023 he was posted as sub-section commander Visible Policing in North West. Last year, with his promotion to Brigadier, he was back at the FLASH office, this time as provincial head of PES and FLASH.
“The provincial commissioner instructed me to address the backlog regarding firearm applications. Within the first six months we have achieved just that. The number of applications was reduced from over 6 000 to below 1 000. Our submission rate for applications within 60 days is currently 99,1%. The list goes on. The people I worked with are the best and I want to thank everyone who have contributed to me, not only for my career but also as a person.’’
The PES team taught him about camaraderie and he will always carry this with him. “They are a team who always stand together. With the dangers they are facing daily in performing their duties, may it be out on the road, chasing criminals or following up on information received, or attending diving scenes at any given time under difficult situations, they welcomed me in their ranks. I am going to miss every person I worked with.’’
Colleagues gathered at a farewell function in Potchefstroom earlier this month, to wish Brig Van Schalkwyk well on his retirement. At the function, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Policing in the province, Maj Genl Patrick Asaneng said the experience and leadership the Brigadier brought to SAPS will be difficult to replace.
Preparing to vacate his office permanently is one of the hardest things he has ever done. “It was a privilege to be part of the men and women in blue for so many years.
“For me, being a police officer was a calling, an opportunity to serve to the best of my ability. It is a sad moment for me to greet the men and women in blue.’’
