By Theodorah waga Mawasha
OFCALACO-Without any source of good, society would be thrown completely off balance. Recognized for his love for people, compassion and unwavering dedication to the communities he serves, Willie Smit is a people person who wears many hats.
Born in Ofcolaco, on the outskirts of Tzaneen, Smit started his journey as a farmer. When drought and low rainfall hit the area back in 2015, he quickly changed gears. He reflected on his journey.
“I was a farmer and proactive in my community helping people with livestock theft and other issues. I established good relations and how to communicate well with people. Ultimately, the Ofcolaco Community Policing Forum (CPF) was birthed”, he said.
“I registered Willkie K9 Security company in 2015. We are involved with all security sectors in Limpopo Province. We specialize in a variety of services. However, the highlight has been recovering stolen vehicles and that has made us a household name”, he added.
Additionally, the security company works hand in glove with SAPS, and offers anti-poaching, VIP protection, search and rescue & tracing suspects amongst a myriad of other services. K9 boasts a recovery of 105 cars since its inception. In 2019, they received the SAPS Provincial Award and an appreciation award for crime combating in Tzaneen.
“I encourage people to be vigilant and drivers to not pick up hitchhikers, especially at night. I know in the present day people have lost faith in the police. However, not all is doom and gloom in the force. There are still good men and women who can be trusted. People must have faith in us as them to combat crime”, he concluded
