With some 40 years of experience in the South African Police Service and an intense need to serve South Africans, TLU SA has decided to use Ronnie Schilling, Regional Manager: East and Natal, to help members with high-profile cases where there has been no progress made for some reason.
Schilling will act as the mediator between TLU SA members and the SAPS.
“I have more than 40 years of experience in Visible Policing, the largest part of which was in the SAPS Emergency Services. I served at grassroots and officer level. I therefore have more than enough knowledge and experience for the new role. Another plus is the fact that I served in the SAPS as recently as a year or so ago. It will therefore be possible for me to liaison with the SAPS through the right channels and in the right way, which is of vital importance,” said Schilling.
According to Schilling, it definitely is a challenging role, but one that speaks to his heart.
“There will be a challenge or three, but I think one of the biggest problems after a crime has been committed is the various emotions that are experienced. The victim(s) are angry about the murder or the hundred pregnant ewes that were slaughtered, not to mention the invasion of privacy. There is also sadness. However, this is not all, the current relationship between investigators and complainants does not help much either, as the public no longer has confidence in the ability of the SAPS.
“However, I want to assure TLU SA members that I will carry out my new role with conviction and do my best to assist and serve every member who needs me. I am cautiously optimistic and also very excited. At the end of the day, I have protected and served all my life and that is exactly what I will continue to do.”
Mr. Bennie van Zyl, TLU SA General Manager, said that there is a great need to employ someone like Ronnie Schilling, where he can be of the greatest service. The new role will be complementary to his duties as regional manager.
“Ronnie not only has the necessary knowledge and experience, but he also has a heart to serve and to help those who need him. Having someone like Ronnie in our midst is a privilege and the decision to use him in the new role is to the benefit of every TLU SA member.”
