Sergeant Oakes, who was attached to the Anti-Gang Unit and was previously stationed at Steenberg police, died last month after a short illness.
Gavin Walbrugh, Steenberg community police forum (CPF) chairperson
On Monday August 28, we lost a true legend after a short illness.
Sergeant Grant Oakes was an exemplary figure in our community for many years.
He joined Steenberg SAPS in 2003 and as an officer, he always went over and above the call of duty.
He also worked as a sector manager, building up our neighbourhood watches for many years.
A few years ago, Sergeant Oakes left Steenberg SAPS to join the Anti-Gang Unit and even there, he continued to serve our community.
Sergeant Oakes thrived on providing great service to our community and this was evident when news of his death reached us.
Many neighbourhood watch and community members attended his memorial in Strandfontein as well as another memorial in St Montague Village.
He wanted to make a difference in our community and he touched the lives of many.
He continuously supported our neighbourhood watches and community. He made time to listen to people.
To his loved ones, we want to say that in these moments of sorrow, may you find comfort from the Book of Psalms. We are reminded that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.
Sergeant Oakes has left us with memories and lessons that will guide us through difficult times and provided us with guidance and support throughout his career and those memories will continue to comfort us.
May he rest in eternal peace, and may we find comfort in the knowledge that he is at rest in the presence of the Lord.