Mitchells Plain police station commander set to retire

FORMER Western Cape top cops Andre Lincoln and Jeremy Vearey joined Mitchells Plain police and residents to salute its revered station commander on his retirement.

After nine years at the helm of one of the Cape’s busiest police stations and a career spanning more than 40 years, Brigadier Cass Goolam will be retiring at the end of this week.

And to mark the occasion, Mitchells Plain residents and the Cape Flats Safety Forum organised a farewell as a gesture of their appreciation for his work and contribution to the community.

Goolam was appointed acting station commander in 2013, before he was made permanent, but he quickly gained popularity and was dubbed the “community’s commander”.

Mitchells Plain is often ranked among the top 30 police stations in the country.

But it hasn’t been all plain sailing for Goolam, whose career took a knock after he was blamed for the disappearance of 15 police firearms from the police station in 2017.

Goolam’s suspension sparked widespread demonstrations in the area in which protesters demanded he was allowed to return to his post. Two years later, Goolam was exonerated.

Two former top cops, Vearey and retired anti-gang unit chief Lincoln, also joined in the festivities yesterday.

Vearey told the Weekend Argus he had joined the surprise event to honour Goolam.

“Goolam has for years been by my side. He was there when the community policing started, and he didn’t ever stop. He just continued the tradition,” Vearey said.

“The fact that organisations are still here fighting against crime is a testimony to him.”

Lincoln also thanked Goolam for his work.

“My presence here is in support of a legend, somebody who has been able to take community policing to the next level. I have an incredible amount of respect for Goolam.”

Lincoln said the person taking over his position would have big shoes to fill.

“Whoever takes over, they are going have to walk a very long road. Goolam was always committed and has been there for the people.”

Cape Flats Safety Forum member Lynn Phillips said Goolam’s contribution to the safety structures was immeasurable.

“If I had a choice, I would be lobbying to get all three of these men sitting here (Veary, Lincoln and Goolam) back in the SAPS.

“I don’t know what to expect for our community after he steps down, because everyone respects him, even the gangsters. When they hear that Goolam is on his way, you don’t see them.

“I doubt the next person will be able to win over the people’s hearts like he did.”

Phillips said Goolam had been called the “community commander” because of his willingness to make himself available to the community and to attend to its needs.

While the man of the hour could not speak to the media until he officially retired, he thanked those who came out to honour him.