Covid claims FCS commander

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GEORGE NEWS - His colleagues remember him as a soft-spoken gentleman, but Lt-Col Wilhelm Oktober, better known as Okkie, was a force to be reckoned with by sexual offenders. Sadly Oktober passed away in hospital after a long battle against the dreaded Covid-19 virus on Friday morning, 29 January.

"The devastation of the passing of Colonel Okkie, as he is fondly known, sent shock waves through the police family," said Southern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Chris Spies.

Oktober, who would have celebrated 37 years as a police officer this coming April, joined the ranks on 13 April 1984, stationed in Herbertsdale.

In 1992 he was transferred to the Conville police station where he was later deployed as a detective. As an experienced investigator he was eventually transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in Mossel Bay, after which he joined the George FCS unit as Lieutenant-Colonel where he remained until his death.

Oktober faithfully served his country for 36 years and 269 days. He completed various courses and training seminars that equipped him for the task.

Colleagues, friends and family gathered in front of Oktober's house in Pacaltsdorp for his drive-by memorial service on Wednesday morning.

Among these courses are a detective commander course, firearm-related forensic chemical investigations course, sexual offences investigative course and family violence, child protection and sexual offences course.

Photo gallery: Lt-Col Wilhelm Oktober remembered

Members of the FCS unit outside Oktober's house during the drive-by memorial service held in his honour.

Apart from various medals including those for 10, 20 and 30 years' faithful service, Oktober also received a certificate of commendation from the National Commissioner of Police for exemplary investigative work by his team of investigators in 2017.

"He contributed hugely to ensure that perpetrators of sexual offences and crimes against women and children were brought to book. He will be dearly missed by all his colleagues," said Spies.

A drive-by memorial service was held for Oktober at his house in Pacaltsdorp on Wednesday morning, 3 February.

Family members of the late Lt-Col Oktober during a drive-by memorial service held on Wednesday 3 February. Photos: Kristy Kolberg