The Daily Voice bids farewell to Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, 60 who served as a spokesperson for the South African Police Service after 36 years of service.
If you are an avid Daily Voice reader, then you have definitely seen the name Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi in our paper, confirming details we bring to you.
Swartbooi joined the South African Police Service on 17 January 1989 and received his training at the Bishop Lavis training academy with the aim to serve the community to the best of his ability.
His journey started in the SAPS band and he ended his career at the Provincial Media Centre with his last day in office on 31 October.
Swartbooi explained: “After basic training my passing out parade was held at the Loftus Versveld Stadium. I joined the SAPS Band and performed my task as a piccolo player and later assisted in percussion playing the bass drum.”
“I had the privilege to travel to all the provinces in South Africa. I attended numerous police funerals and saw the most remotest areas. In the year 2010, I was nominated to represent the Republic of South Africa in Zurich, Switzerland, during a music festival for bands around the globe. This event was majestic.”
In 2012, he was transferred to the Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court where he eventually became the commander in 2014 and in 2018 Swartbooi became the communication officer at the Bishop Lavis police station.
“In 2021, I received a call from Colonel Andrè Traut requesting me to join the Provincial Media Centre. I immediately agreed and found my joy working with a host of journalists. I am proud to say I enjoyed every moment.”
“As spokesperson to the Provincial Commissioner I needed to know crime stats daily and be in a position to advise when needed. I did not fight crime as in the past, however I was in contact with all crime fighters on station level.”
After spending the last four years attending to media enquiries and calls from journalists, Swartbooi will now be tending to his family and spending quality time with his wife, two children and two grandchildren aged 3 and 7.
“I am happy to retire and will focus on allowing my family to experience my presence. I will certainly miss being an ambassador to the community. I will always remember being part of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and recently the G20. I leave the South African Police Service with no regrets.
His final message to readers is: "It is better to be criticised for action than to be ignored for no action.”
The South African Police Service took to their official Facebook page to salute their now former colleague in a hearty post which read.
“The South African Police Service in the Western Cape proudly salutes Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi (60) as he retires after an exemplary 36 years of loyal service.
"Having joined the SAPS in 1989, Warrant Officer Swartbooi served in various capacities over the years, distinguishing himself through professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the organisation’s values.
"Since 2018, he has been a vital member of the Communication Service, where his calm demeanour, clear communication, and dedication earned him the respect of both colleagues and members of the media.
"Since 2021, he has been stationed at the Provincial Media Centre, where he played an instrumental role in facilitating accurate and timely communication between the SAPS and the public. His ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism has left a lasting mark on the team.
"The SAPS Western Cape management extends heartfelt gratitude to Warrant Officer Swartbooi for his outstanding contribution and wishes him well as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.”