Cst Tramaine Fredericks moves between moments of life and death with steady resolve, negotiating with armed suspects in high-stake standoffs and talking people out of committing suicide.
Frederick’s journey as a police officer began in 2014 at the Rapid Rail police unit in the Eastern Cape. She says she joined the force not for a pay cheque but to help build a safer SA.
“I have always admired the police and had a passion to work for the people, and when I got the opportunity to become an officer, I took it with both hands. It is by far the best decision I ever made because I wouldn’t trade my 13 years of experience for anything,” she said.
While working as a constable, she pursued her studies and completed a basic hostage and suicide negotiator course in 2020.
I tell my trainees to never get comfortable with where they are, they must study and acquire more skills. And I encourage young people outside the police to apply because there are many opportunities in law enforcement, it does not end at constable
— Cst Tramaine Fredericks
“From the onset when I applied I knew it would be a demanding course, but my drive is to always do more without fear,” said Fredericks.
She is now the second youngest woman hostage and suicide-prevention negotiator in the Eastern Cape.
Frederick said being a negotiator is rewarding, “yet so soul crushing".
"That is because every time there is a suicide or kidnapping, you have to give your all. And every time I manage to speak people out of it, I get a rewarding feeling that no one can ever take away from me,” Frederick said.
One incident she will never forget is when she was called about a woman who was attempting to end her life.
“I sat on the ground next to the lady, and as we were speaking, the woman was nodding. [Finally] I managed to talk her out of it. It was the most rewarding experience because I was much younger at that time.”
The lesson she took from that situation was that, amid hardship, there’s always a reason to look forward to the next day.
“Always find something that makes you happy, no matter how small it is. Find it and hold on to it,” she said.
● Tramaine
Fredericks was born in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape and completed matric in 2008.
● Her favourite football team is Liverpool and she enjoys playing netball.
● When she is not at work or
studying and enjoys sleeping.
● Her biggest cheerleaders are
her parents.
— Facts aboutFredericks
“[I help] with firearms, legal principles and tactical movements. Basic training is also my passion. Training students who get to the academy with no knowledge of firearms is fulfilling and then getting calls from them afterwards.”
Fredericks said she always encourages young people to aim for the sky.
“I tell my trainees to never get comfortable with where they are, they must study and acquire more skills. And I encourage young people outside the police to apply because there are many opportunities in law enforcement, it does not end at constable,” she said.
Earlier this year, Fredericks won a silver medal in the category D ladies’ event and a bronze in the overall ladies’ team competition at the SAPS national practical shooting championship.
Next month, she will represent the police at the Inter-Forces practical pistol shooting championship, hosted by the South African National Defence Force in False Bay, Western Cape.
Fredericks believes that there is no easy recipe for success, “but with hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible. Whatever you pursue in life, do it with all you have,” she said.
Beyond her operational duties, she is pursuing an LLB degree at Unisa while maintaining a strong presence in sports, representing the police in volleyball and practical pistol shooting.
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