| 2025/04/06 |
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Media Statement
POLOKWANE – Meet Warrant Officer Susanna Jacoba Joubert, affectionately known as “Santie”, a dedicated and trailblazing member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) since 1991. With over three decades of service, she now stands out not only as a committed officer but also as a pioneer in Practical Pistol Shooting. Warrant Officer Joubert began her SAPS career in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, and completed her basic training in Pretoria. Throughout her journey, she served in multiple SAPS components, including visible policing, crime prevention, social crime prevention, and detective services, gaining a wealth of operational experience. In 2012, following the passing of her mother, she transferred to the Highway Patrol Unit in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, where she confronted her fear of firearms. She then discovered Practical Pistol Shooting, a discipline that would become both a passion and a tool for empowerment. Her debut in the SAPS National Championships came in 2013, marking the beginning of a remarkable competitive journey. “This sport is not just about competition, it is about survival. It enhances tactical readiness, sharpens reflexes and builds life-saving muscle memory. It prepares you for the moment when your training must take over,” says Joubert. Her skills and leadership have taken her to new heights. In 2015, she met her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Herman Joubert, during the Police Nationals in Mpumalanga. Their shared dedication to the sport led her to transfer to Limpopo, where she currently serves at Letsitele SAPS as a Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre (CIMAC) Officer. She proudly holds the title of first female Practical Pistol Shooting Co-ordinator in the South African Police Service and the first ever in Limpopo province, a role that showcases her leadership in a historically male-dominated arena. Known to her peers as the “mother of the Limpopo team,” she believes that on the shooting range, rank disappears and teamwork prevails. Career highlights include: Limpopo Provincial Colours Multiple podium finishes at national competitions Bronze Medal at the 2022 SAPSA Nationals 2023/2024 SAPS Police Nationals: Gold – Senior Ladies (50–55) Silver – Lady Category C (now B) Bronze – Overall Ladies Five Stage Medals, including two Gold Most recently, she was selected as one of the Top 3 Ladies Nationally to represent SAPS at the upcoming 2025 Interforces Competition hosted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Cape Town. Certified in 2025 as a Registered Range Officer, she now mentors emerging shooters, especially women within SAPS. “I encourage all my colleagues, especially women in blue, to embrace this sport. It is not just shooting, it is a tool for self-empowerment, resilience, and tactical excellence. The future of policing lies in preparation.” The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has lauded Warrant Officer Joubert’s unwavering commitment and excellence, stating: “Warrant Officer Joubert exemplifies what it means to serve with passion, skill, and dedication. Her achievements inspire not only women in law enforcement but all officers committed to personal growth and professional readiness.” Ends
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