After 39 years of service in the South African Police Service, Esther Steyl has retired from the Lwandle Police Station.
She left the service at the end of last month (March).
The 58-year-old Steyl, spent 13 years working at Lwandle as chief Financial Officer, after beginning her career in 1982 as a reservist at Cape Town Central Police Station. The mother of two, took an early retirement after her daughter passed away this year and is now looking after her grandchildren.
Steyl, who has been affectionately known as “Mama Style”, believes everything that has happened to her was “God’s plan, not ours” and she is happy to be spending more time with her grandchildren.
Speaking during her farewell ceremony at Hoogeid on Friday 1 April, she said: “I miss my colleagues so much because we were a big family there. We cried and laughed together. When I went to work it was more like I am going to my family and not at work. And I take my hat off for the police for the work they do on a daily basis. They have big hearts”.
Steyl said it made her happy to see her colleagues “smiling” come the end of the month as their money came in time and their overtime being paid.
She also reflected on all memories and events that took place from the time she joined the police.
Lwandle station commander Lt Col Xolani Williams, described Steyl as a very dedicated and passionate person. He said she wrote her personal book of life very well during this time.
He described her as a very good example to the young police officers.
He wished everyone could learn something from her as she had dedicated her whole life to the police.
Steyl has been awarded with a loyalty long service medal by the South African Police Service National Commissioner.
She also received numerous appreciation certificates for her commitment and dedication to her work.
Her colleagues also thanked her for showing motherly love to everyone at the station yet being very strict.
All members wished her nothing else but good health and more years as she enjoys her retirement.