Warrant Officer Susanna Jacoba Joubert, affectionately known as Santie, has been a dedicated and pioneering member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) since 1991. With over three decades of unwavering service, she stands out not only as a seasoned officer but also as a trailblazer in the world of Practical Pistol Shooting.
Joubert began her SAPS journey in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, and completed her basic training in Pretoria. Over the years, she has served across multiple SAPS components, including Visible Policing, Crime Prevention, Social Crime Prevention, and Detective Services, accumulating a wealth of operational experience and tactical insight.
In 2012, following the passing of her mother, she transferred to the Highway Patrol Unit in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. It was here that she confronted her fear of firearms and discovered Practical Pistol Shooting, a discipline that became both a personal passion and a professional asset. Her debut in the SAPS National Championships in 2013 marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey in competitive shooting.
“This sport is not just about competition, it’s 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 dedication and leadership have taken her far. In 2015, she met her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Herman Joubert, during the Police Nationals in Mpumalanga. Their shared passion for the sport led to her transfer to Limpopo, where she now serves at Letsitele SAPS as a Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre (CIMAC) Officer.
Joubert proudly holds the title of the first female Practical Pistol Shooting Coordinator in SAPS history, and the first ever in Limpopo province. A respected leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, she’s known affectionately as the “mother of the Limpopo team,” emphasising teamwork over rank on the shooting range.
Career Highlights
- Limpopo Provincial Colours
- Multiple national podium finishes
- Bronze Medal – 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 2025 Interforces Competition hosted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Cape Town.
Now certified as a Registered Range Officer (2025), she actively mentors emerging shooters, with a focus on empowering women in the SAPS.
“I encourage all my colleagues, especially women in blue, to embrace this sport. It’s not just shooting. It’s a tool for self-empowerment, resilience, and tactical excellence. The future of policing lies in preparation.”
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, praised Joubert’s dedication and influence:
“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.”
