GEORGE NEWS - After 40-years in blue, Warrant Officer Marthinus Oosthuizen will be bidding his uniform farewell.
Warrant Oosie, as he is fondly known to his colleagues, started his policing career on 20 October 1980 as a constable at the Albertinia police station. From here he was sent to the police college currently known as the Pretoria Saps Training Academy where he underwent his basic training.
During his career he attended a number of training courses which equipped him to perform his tasks with distinction when he served at a number of police stations which includes Jansenville, Willowmore, Knysna and Oudtshoorn. He was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer in 1996.
For the latter part of his career Oosthuizen was attached to the Public Order Police (Pops) in George.
"My time in the service has been a lifelong journey and I am leaving with a heavy heart," he said.
He also conveyed his appreciation to all his colleagues. "I am extremely proud to be a police official and thankful for the opportunity I had to serve our people. The police has been part of me for the most part of my life and I will miss this environment dearly. My colleagues have only been supportive to me and I was afforded the opportunity to invest in the younger generation."
After taking a short break Oosthuizen is planning on joining his brother on the agricultural side of life.
During his time as a police official, Oosthuizen received numerous medals including:
• The Saps medal for faithful service 10 years
• The Saps 20-year loyal service medal
• The Saps 30-year loyal service medal
• Saps 10-year commemoration medal
• SA Police 75th anniversary commemorative
• Soccer World Cup 2010 support medal
• Centenary medal
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