Veteran Lentegeur police reservist bids farewell

Marsha Bothma|Published 1 week ago

After more than three decades of service, auxiliary commander Faith Mentoor, 65, of Lentegeur, has retired from Lentegeur SAPS. Her colleagues held a guard of honour for her at the station last month. Pictured is Ms Mentoor and support commander Lieutenant Colonel Nkosiyedwa Feni.

After more than three decades of service as a police reservist, Faith Mentoor, 65, has retired from Lentegeur SAPS.

Ms Mentoor joined SAPS as a reservist in 1993. She became an admin clerk in 1998 after obtaining her matric. She worked in various units, including the Border Police at Cape Town Harbour, before joining Lentegeur SAPS in 2014. In 2021, she became acting auxiliary commander, a role she held until retiring last month.

“It was challenging, but I enjoyed working there,” Ms Mentoor said. “Crime has always been high in Lentegeur, but I was happy to contribute.”

Beyond administration, Ms Mentoor was involved in the Lentegeur SAPS Women’s Network and was a member of the Christian Police Association for 31 years. She also worked with the Stroke Survivors group, offering support to those in need.

“I will miss work and being actively involved. I will always treasure the memories,” she said.

Ms Mentoor said she was grateful to her colleagues, especially support commander Lieutenant Colonel Nkosiyedwa Feni and Lentegeur police chief Colonel Umavathie Rameshwarnath, for their guidance and was touched by the retirement send-off they gave her at the station on Wednesday January 29.

“It was a great surprise, and I truly appreciate everything,” said Ms Mentoor.

Despite the high crime rate in the area, Ms Mentoor remains optimistic, saying Lentegeur has dedicated police officers who are “working tirelessly to fight crime”.

Despite the high crime rate in the area, Ms Mentoor remains optimistic. “We have dedicated members at Lentegeur SAPS working tirelessly to fight crime. I believe leadership will bring improvements.”

She said the Christian Police Association continued to pray for both SAPS members and the community.

Ms Mentoor said she would enjoy her time with her husband, Andrew, who is in a wheelchair and on dialysis, her family and her church.

Her granddaughter, Andrewlene, loved having her at home, and her three children, Annelize, Fabio, and Andre, were supportive of this new chapter in her life, she said.

Colonel Rameshwarnath praised Ms Mentoor for her dedication, saying, “She left a lasting legacy. We congratulate her on her retirement. No more deadlines or early alarms - just well-deserved rest and happiness.”

Ms Mentoor added: “I wish my successor the best for the future and want to encourage the station to continue to work hard and serve the community,” she said.