Cape Town: This year the South African Police Service (SAPS) joins the country in observing Youth Month by celebrating its young men and women in blue who go above and beyond the call of duty. At just 26 years old, Constable Brooke Erin Fritz is making waves in the SAPS.

According to South African Government News Agency, Constable Fritz is currently stationed at the Protection and Security Services (PSS) Static unit at Parliament. She also serves as an ad hoc commercial diver with the Western Cape Water Policing and Diving Services, a role she has passionately pursued over the past four years.

Born in Kraaifontein on 30 November 1998, Fritz moved with her family to Gordon’s Bay at the age of six. She began her schooling at Hendrik Louw Primary and matriculated from Parel Vallei High School in 2016, excelling in both hockey and swimming, thereby earning provincial colours in both sporting codes throughout her school years.

After completing matric, Fritz applied to join the SAPS. While awaiting her appointment, she worked at Virgin Active, using the time to prepare herself physically and mentally for a career in law enforcement. Her desire to join the SAPS diving unit was ignited after witnessing divers leap from a helicopter to save a drowning individual. From that moment, her goal was clear: become a police diver and help save lives.

After completing her basic training at SAPS College in Oudtshoorn in 2018, she was assigned to PSS at Parliament. In 2021, she applied to the Diving Unit, successfully passing the selection interview and medical assessments. She began working as a diver-support member in 2022.

In 2023, Fritz began formal training at the SAPS Diving School in Pretoria. When the school unexpectedly closed, she refused to let the setback derail her ambitions. Demonstrating resilience and commitment, she enrolled at an external diving institute, qualifying as a commercial diver in 2025. She now hopes to become a permanent member of the diving unit.

As the youngest diver and the only woman of colour in the Western Cape’s diving team, Constable Fritz serves as an inspiration. ‘If I can do it, you can do it. Don’t let your setbacks or environment discourage you. No matter how tough or long the journey is, don’t give up. The Diving Unit is truly a family, and I’m honoured to be part of this amazing, specialised team with such a rare and valuable skill,’ she said.