MOSSEL BAY NEWS - After 38 years and 192 days as a police officer, Mossel Bay Police Station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Adonis "Seppie" September will be retiring from the service.
His last day at the station is Friday, 31 January.
This week September told Mossel Bay Advertiser about his years as a police officer, the highlights and his plans for his retirement.
His career as a policeman started at the age of 21 in 1986 as a constable at Da Gamaskop Police Station.
From Da Gamaskop, he went to George, then Conville and then he served at the Mossel Bay Police Station from 1988 to 1990.
September said he served the greater Mossel Bay area for several years, having been at both KwaNonqaba Police Station and back at Da Gamaskop before the final position of his career, at Mossel Bay Police Station.
Visible Policing Unit
His years were mostly spent in the Visible Policing Unit, where he found satisfaction in serving the community and solving and preventing crimes.
Over the almost four decades as a policeman, September helped with many cases and was involved in making hundreds of arrests.
He said the highlights of his long career included getting murderers and drug dealers off the streets.
In 2019, September went from Mossel Bay Police Station's Visible Policing Unit commander to the station commander.
Full circle
"It was a full circle moment" from Bobby on the beat, including camp guard, to station commander.
"As the station commander, I enjoyed building relationships between the police and the community.
"This started with the neighbourhood watches with their patrols and a sound and healthy Community Policing Forum.
"In the Mossel Bay policing precinct, crime is relatively under control and I thank the neighbourhood watches, the local security companies, the community, and of course the police officers for achieving this."
September said his advice for the next commander is to continue to improve the relationship with the community and encourage good relationships between colleagues at the station.
"The most important thing is to continue to fight crime with everything in your power," he said.
Thankful
He said the station officers had made good arrests, thanks to their dedication.
"I thank the officers who put their boots on the ground and work a case from beginning, until the end, finding and arresting suspects. They get the desired results and make sure they are thorough with their investigations," he said.
September said he would enjoy his retirement. He also thanked his wife of 31 years, Cathleen, for all her support and said he was looking forward to spending time with her and his family when he left the police force.
He will continue to live in Mossel Bay.
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