Staff Reporter

Sergeant Marline Niemand is part of a new generation of police officers using mounted policing to reach areas where vehicles cannot easily tread.

A SAPS horse rider with the Ekurhuleni Mounted Unit in Gauteng, Niemand carries out crime-prevention duties on horseback, patrolling areas such as mountainous terrain, riverbanks, farms and informal settlements.

Her four-legged colleague, “Bujo”, has become what she considers a loyal best friend, helping her serve communities and fight crime in a unique way.

Niemand joined the police in 2012 at the age of 21 after applying while serving as a volunteer at Springs Police Station.

Now 35, she remains driven by what “an unwavering passion for policing and a determination to expand her knowledge on every aspect of law enforcement”.

Becoming a police officer had always been her dream, although her mother initially had reservations about her chosen career path.

With her father being a police officer and her role model, SAPS said it was “only meant to be” for Niemand to fall in love with the profession.

She was ready to submit her application to join the organisation when she turned 18, but did not have her mother’s blessing at the time. However, Niemand refused to give up on her dream and three years later she was enlisted.

Her love and passion for animals first attracted her to the K9 Unit.

Niemand said she admires horses for their intelligence and enjoys the specialised nature of mounted policing.

Performing crime-prevention duties on horseback is pure joy for her, despite having no horse-riding experience before joining the unit.

She trained for the Basic Mounted Riding and Stable Official courses at the Potchefstroom Mounted Academy, where SAPS also breeds its horses.

“It is said that one policeman on a horse back is equal to 20 policemen on foot,” said Niemand.

In celebration of Youth Month, SAPS said it was highlighting the energy, dedication and leadership of young officers through its national campaign, “SAPS Youth – Leading the Reset Agenda.”

This year’s campaign recognises young men and women in blue who are playing an active role in advancing the SAPS’ vision of professional, ethical and community-focused policing.

In a message to South African youth, Niemand said: “I joined the SAPS because it is my calling, my passion, my childhood dream. I will continue to serve my community with dignity, honour, and pride.”

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