A member of Parliament Protection and Security Services (PSS) Constable Fritz is also an ad hoc commercial diver of the Western Cape Water Policing and Diving Services. Her double job is a testament to her hard work and non-stop dedication to public safety.

Humble beginnings, high hopes

Born in Kraaifontein on 30 November 1998, Fritz moved with her family to Gordon’s Bay when she was six years old. She began her education at Hendrik Louw Primary School and then attended Parel Valley High School, where she excelled in hockey and swimming, earning provincial colours in both the sports.

Even before joining SAPS, Fritz’s path was a resolute one. Having matriculated in 2016, she thereafter worked at Virgin Active for a year before waiting patiently for her SAPS appointment.

A life-changing moment

It was a heroically dramatic rescue that had first caught her attention on diving. She had witnessed in awe police divers leap from a helicopter to save a drowning person. She set her heart on becoming a police diver herself afterward – not just to be part of action, but to save lives.

Following her initial training at SAPS College in Oudtshoorn in 2018, Fritz was assigned to PSS at Parliament. However, she never lost hope on her diving dream. In 2021, she put in an application to serve in the Diving Unit, going through a tough selection process involving interviews and medical tests. By 2022, she was assigned to work as a diver-support member.

Pushing past setbacks

The road to becoming a full-fledged diver had not been smooth. Fritz began training in 2023 at the SAPS Diving School in Pretoria but watched as the school shut down unexpectedly before she could complete her education. Rather than let this discouragement derail her, Fritz showed real tenacity. She approached an external diving academy and, in 2025, qualified as a commercial diver – a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Now, the youngest diver and sole woman of colour in the Western Cape diving team, Constable Fritz stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for South African youth.

A Message for the Youth

“If I can do it, you can do it,” she adds.

“Don’t let setbacks or environments get you down. Regardless of how bad or long the journey may seem, don’t give up. The Diving Unit is actually a family, and I am honored to be a member of this amazing, specialist unit with such a rare and valuable skill.”

As Youth Month continues, Constable Brooke Erin Fritz is reminding us all that with determination and drive, even the lowest depths can be overcome – and that every plunge is one step closer to saving lives.

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One such officer is 33-year-old Constable Tramaine Fredericks, currently stationed at the Rapid Rail Police Unit (RRPU) in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

A committed and driven member of the SAPS, Fredericks has served as a trained hostage and suicide negotiator since 2020, a role she undertakes with empathy and resolute professionalism.

Beyond her operational duties, Fredericks is pursuing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and maintains a strong presence in sport, representing the SAPS in both volleyball and practical pistol shooting.

Earlier this year, she competed in the SAPS National Practical Pistol Shooting Championship held in the Eastern Cape, which drew over 100 participants from across the country. Fredericks secured a silver medal in the Category D ladies’ event and a bronze in the overall ladies’ team competition. Her team from the Eastern Cape also achieved first place in the Support Team event.

In July 2025, Fredericks will represent the SAPS at the Inter-Forces Practical Pistol Shooting Championship, hosted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in False Bay, Western Cape.

She wears her marksmanship badge with pride and continues to refine her skills through consistent training.

Since joining the SAPS in 2012, Fredericks has been recognised for her versatility, commitment, and energy, qualities that have earned the respect of colleagues and superiors alike.

“There is no recipe to success, but with hard work, dedication and passion anything is possible. Whatever you pursue in life, do it with all you have,” says Fredericks.

As Youth Month is observed, the SAPS acknowledges the contribution of young officers such as Constable Tramaine Fredericks, whose innovation, determination, and enthusiasm help to shape the future of policing in South Africa.

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