Sergeant Enslin Errol Williams, from Eastridge, is being remembered as a hero who fought crime in the community.
Sergeant Williams, 48, died on Friday January 12 after suffering a severe heart attack in his sleep, said his daughter, Moejaida Williams.
He would have celebrated 30 years of service in the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Mitchell’s Plain Police Station in Town Centre.
His memory was honoured with memorial services on Tuesday January 16 at Beacon Valley Baptist Church, at a memorial drive-by with a street procession through Eastridge on Wednesday January 17, on Thursday January 18 on the corner of Tafelberg and Stella roads, Tafelsig, and at his funeral on Saturday January 20 at Littlewood Primary School.
Sergeant Williams started working as a police officer at 17 in 1992. He started working in the neighbourhood watch and in that same year he became a constable in Cape Town and worked his way up to sergeant level, said Ms Williams.
“He played a major role by saving lives and bringing justice. He was known for catching the most criminals,” she said.
Her father enjoyed building cars from scratch and loved the sport of “popping”, she said.
“He was a warm-hearted person who always wanted the best for everyone. He’d go out of his way to do something for someone and his family, a true helping hand in his community,” she said.
His mother, Sandra Barends was shocked to learn of her son’s passing.
“I’ll miss his laughter, his loud voice, him taking care of me and driving me around. His guidance towards me as a leader in my church and his warm love for me, especially his sense of humour,” she said.
Ms Williams said she became closer to her father as she got older.
“He was my hero, always picked me up when I fell, a very overprotective father too. He made sure I was never short of anything. He made sure I knew how much he loved me and how proud he was of me.”
His death came as a blow but his family was amazed by all the testimonies and impact he made in people’s lives.
“He was a true leader in every way, very close to God. We will surely miss him,” she said.
Sergeant Williams leaves behind his daughter, mother, father, girlfriend and his two siblings.
Mitchell’s Plain police station commander, Brigadier Jan Alexander said Sergeant Williams was one of a kind, over-committed, passionate and his dedication and commitment will always be remembered.
He was an operational expert therefore he was a real crime fighter and a law enforcer, he said.
“He was a son of the Mitchell’s Plain community and therefore had an understanding of the crime situation, how to prevent and operationalise it,” he said.
“He was normally conducting vehicle control points, stop and searches, searching of premises and other execution of warrants of arrests. His partnership approach will be remembered and I salute him for his sacrifices to the people of Mitchell’s Plain, he will surely be missed,” said Brigadier Alexander.
Deputy chairperson of Mitchell’s Plain community police forum (CPF) Veranique Williams, who was a close friend of Sergeant Williams for over 30 years, said he was a very dedicated person who served his community with dignity and pride.
“When the area in Mitchell’s Plain or in Cape Town was red and there was a call-up any time of the day, he was ready,” she said.
“Enslin’s heart was for the community he was a hero. A policeman with many traits meaning he had to be a doctor, lawyer, pastor, psychologist, to many. He had the community at heart. You could call on him and he would be there,” she said.
“Not even words can explain what kind of crime fighter he was. The community respected him. We will truly miss him and all that he continued to do,” she said.
