THE FACE of the Joburg Metro Police Department takes a back seat.
Yes, the charismatic Wayne Minnaar has retired officially from his post as the spokesperson.
He joined the department in 1981 January, as a duty officer and had a short stint serving at the K9 unit of the former traffic department.
He always availed himself for interviews if not conducting road blocks or safety campaigns.
Now having been with the department for 41 years’ he hangs his decorated uniform with dignity, pride and proud record.
His colleagues spoke highly of him, whilst others pointed out he will be missed for guidance and fatherly approach to things, during a surprise farewell by the City of Joburg.
Michael Sun, member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for environment infrastructure service department, spoke about Minnaar’s enormous contribution and dedication to the department.
“When I was MMC for public safety, I used to get all these strange calls. A lady called me wanting Wayne Minnaar’s number. She was in Escourt in KwaZulu-Natal and she wanted Wayne to come and account,” said Sun.
“I told her that the ‘J’ in JMPD stood for Joburg, but she still wanted Minnaar to be the one to resolve the issue. His [Minnaar] name is a brand, I can write a book. I want to say thank you for the 41 years of your golden years to South Africa.”
MMC for public safety David Tembe said Minnaar was never a spin-doctor, but a person of ethics and truth. “Only men and women of honour can run such a marathon of 41 years,” said Tembe.
My engagement with ntate Minnaar was last week at the Randshow media launch, of which he did indicate to me he ‘looks forward resting’.
Although he won’t grace headlines or avail himself for radio interviews any longer, he did say he won’t be lost to Joburg citizens.
“I will provide services whenever the duty calls,” he said coyly in a company of junior JMPD staff at the launch.
Oh, don’t be mistaken if I call you accidentally for a comment Mr Minnaar.
Rest easy…
Image (Take a bow. JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar honoured by both Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse and MMC for public safety David Tembe).
