Thirty-four years of loyal service to the South African Police Force were recognized on Wednesday when a firing party of 12 policemen paid a final grave- side tribute to Sergeant Hendrick Lourens Botes.
Born at Boshof, O.F.S., nearly 59 years ago, Sergeant Botes. joined the police force in Pretoria in 1922. Five years later he married Diana Margaret de Witt and the couple moved along the Reef from one appointment to another.
In 1931, he was promoted to 2nd Class Sergeant, the rank he held at the time of his death.
In 1940 when he was transferred to Benoni, Sgt. Botes was awarded the Police Good Service Medal, a distinctive decoration presented for 18 years’ good conduct and service to the S.A.P. Few police officers on the Reef achieve this
award.
Living in Farrarmere with his family, Sgt Botes was a popular figure with Benoni police for 16 years, during which time he was in charge of the accident staff at the police headquarters. In this capacity, he became well known to the local and daily newspaper representatives who found him most co-operative.
After an illness of a month. Sgt. Botes died last Saturday, and on Wednesday was accorded a military funeral. The last rites were conducted at Northmead Dutch Reformed Church and later at Benoni Cemetery by Ds. Bornman.
His former colleagues in Benoni police force were the pall bearers.
Sgt. Botes is survived by Mrs Botes and his two daughters.
