Top cop believes in discipline

Claremont Police Station commander Lt Col Maree Louw says discipline, integrity and community support have shaped her 37-year career in policing.

- NAMHLA MONAKALI

“Thirty seven years feels like yesterday,” she says. Joining the South African police in 1989 at the height of apartheid, Louw began her career as a constable and has since spent 13 years as a station commander, including postings in Bredasdorp and Claremont.

She plans to retire in April 2028. “I was just learning the ropes yesterday. I would never be able to do this job without the community. I cannot fight crime alone. I need the community to do that.”