Retired cop responds to burning uniform viral video

A video which has since gone viral, depicting a retired Nelson Mandela Bay police officer burning his police uniform in a fireplace has stirred a range of emotions among viewers.

In the video, originally shared by GOOD councillor Lawrence Troon, Jonathan Mouwers can be seen carefully hanging up his adorned police uniform, followed by dousing it with a flammable liquid and setting it alright. The video’s duration is approximately two minutes.

Those that viewed the video were left questioning why a person described as an “honorable servant” would take such an action. Some viewers praised Mouwers for his dedication and discipline as a police officer, even though he had been medically boarded. However, others cautioned against making assumptions about the situation.

Dr. Paulus Antonio, a former Bay police officer now living in the United States, called for community support for the retired colonel, claiming he had been treated unfairly.

Lawrence Troon called for an investigation to determine what had provoked Mouwers to engage in this act. When HerldLIVE approached him for comment, Mouwers declined, instead quoting Philippians 3 verse 13 from the Bible: “I strain to what lies ahead.”

According to Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, as per the dress orders of the SA Police Service, members leaving the force, whether through retirement or resignation, are required to surrender all items of uniform and badges they possess to their immediate commanders.

“Medals awarded are retained by the member,” she said.

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