From apprehending illegal miners in Gauteng to manning the frontline against gang violence on the Cape Flats, a Gqeberha policewoman has proven her valour in some of the most dangerous situations around SA.
And while Constable Tramaine Fredericks never intended to become a police officer, some persuasion from a peer saw the Bethelsdorp resident find her true passion for protecting people and upholding the long arm of the law.
The 34-year-old said she had initially studied human resource management at Dower College but during her internship at the Humewood police station she fell in love with policing.
“A captain at the station urged me to apply as a policewoman.
“I took the chance and asked my brother to get the application forms. It all worked out, I was accepted first time.”
She completed her basic police training in Bhisho where her passion for the police progressed.
“I joined the Rapid Rail Police Unit and we did duty on the Shosholoza Meyl trains.
“In 2018, I began to shoot for the Eastern Cape Practical Pistol team at the Moloto SAPS academy in Gauteng and my love for firearms started.
“In 2020, I was part of a hostage and suicide negotiation team. During 2021, I received training in tactical policing in Moloto and was equipped to train other police officers.
“One of the highlights in my career was in 2022 in Kimberley when we trained 3,500 recruits to become police officers. I was the only female firearm trainer in 2023 at the Bhisho training academy. “
Fredericks said during her 13-year career she was involved in many high-profile kidnapping negotiations, most recently in the spate of incidents in Gqeberha.
She is studying towards a degree in law at Unisa, but says her heart is with the police.
Though she worked in dangerous situations like the volatile political situation in KwaZulu-Natal and gang violence on the Cape Flats, she said she was never in a life-threatening position.
“I was a co-ordinator at operation Vala Umgodi in Gauteng where we accosted illegal miners. I arrived in Gqeberha only last week.”
She said another highlight was participating in the national tactical shooting championship held in Greenbushes recently.
“I am proud to say I came second out of 29 lady shooters in the D category. Our ladies team claimed third place and that is out of all the nine provinces.
“The SAPS has been good to me thus far. I am really enjoying being a cop.”
Fredericks said her parents were her biggest inspiration.
“They are the wind beneath my wings and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for always being there for me.
“Then I want to tell the youth out there not to become despondent when applying to become an officer and being unsuccessful.
“Never give up applying. You never know when you will get that call.
“Lastly, I want to ask the public to pray for the men and women in blue. We are also just humans and do the best we can to be at service for our country.”
The Herald
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