JEFFREYS BAY – When Jeffreys Bay Visible Policing Commander Captain Dominique Doubell puts on his police uniform, he does so with deep pride and unwavering passion – a calling that began in December 1990 and continues to define his life more than three decades later.
For him, policing is not simply a profession; it is a sacred responsibility to protect, to serve, and to ensure the safety and security of the communities entrusted to his care.
Despite a life-altering injury on duty that left him blind in his right eye, Doubell’s commitment to community safety has only grown stronger. Adversity did not weaken his resolve – it refined it.
His dedication was recently recognised when he was named first runner-up at the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Excellence Awards – a prestigious honour celebrating integrity, professionalism, bravery, and excellence in service.
Held in Bloemfontein under the theme, “Serving with integrity, celebrating excellence,” the ceremony brought together more than 30 top-performing SAPS members from across the country. Doubell stood proudly among them – representing resilience, courage, and the enduring spirit of service.
Awards were presented across 40 categories, with three finalists selected in each category. All finalists had previously emerged as winners at the SAPS Provincial Excellence Awards, earning the opportunity to compete at the national level.
Two categories were dedicated specifically to members living with disabilities: Overall Winner and Sportsperson of the Year.
A career driven by courage and purpose
Doubell began his policing journey on the West Rand before serving in the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and later joining the Police Flying Squad – an experience he recalls with unmistakable pride.
“It was one of the best times of my career. I learned a lot. If you wanted an adrenaline rush, you had to be at the Flying Squad. It was challenging, but it shaped me.”
From the first Highway Patrol in Gauteng to community-focused roles in Humansdorp, he embraced every opportunity to grow.
“I love developing myself holistically,” he reflects. “Working in different sections helped me achieve that goal.”
Choosing faith and strength over setback
On 2 November 2016, Doubell was severely injured while on duty during a protest when a glass bottle was thrown through a police vehicle window, striking his face and permanently damaging his right eye.
“It was a life-defining moment. I almost died that day.”
Faced with physical trauma and later diagnosed with PTSD, he made a deliberate decision – not to surrender to despair, but to rise with renewed purpose.
“I made a conscious decision not to wallow in self-pity. I set new challenges for myself.”
Above all, he attributes his survival to divine intervention.
“If it were not for God’s grace, I would not have been here today. God protected me that day.”
Just two weeks after the incident, he returned to work – determined that his disability would not define his contribution. His resilience carried him through roles at the Tshwane Cluster Office, District Office, Bethelsdorp Police Station, and eventually to his current position as Visible Policing Commander at Jeffreys Bay.
A moment of overwhelming emotion
When Doubell received the call informing him that he had been selected to attend the SAPS National Excellence Awards, disbelief was his first reaction.
“When I got the call, I honestly thought it was a scam,” he says with a smile. “I was speechless.”
As the reality settled in, a wave of emotion followed – humility, gratitude and pride built over 35 years of service.
“In my 35 years in the service, it was my first time being invited to the National Excellence Awards. It was something spectacular. I felt overwhelmed – not for myself alone, but because it felt like recognition for every challenge I had overcome, every setback, every late night, and every moment of sacrifice.”
He describes standing among colleagues from across the country as both humbling and deeply affirming.
“Even if I never go again, it will be enough. I can say that I was there. I represented my station, my colleagues and my community. That meant everything to me.”
For Doubell, the moment was not about personal glory, but about honouring the badge, the Service, and the people who supported him through his darkest days.
A message of hope and pride
Doubell encourages others living with disabilities to remain visible, confident and proud.
“Do not allow your disability to define you. Do not hide. Be present so that you can be recognised. Despite our disabilities, we can still serve with pride and excellence.”
He also speaks passionately about the sacrifices made by officers’ families.
“The people at home wait and pray for us to return safely. Their sacrifices are often forgotten.”
For him, policing is about partnership – between officers, families, community members and leadership — all working together to ensure safety and stability.
Leadership recognition and partnership
Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman commended Doubell’s passion, faith and unwavering dedication, emphasising the importance of cooperation in strengthening community safety.
“Captain Dominique Doubell embodies the passion and pride that define true public service. His resilience, grounded in faith and strengthened by adversity, reflects an extraordinary commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.
“As municipal leadership, we understand that building safer communities requires strong cooperation between SAPS, local government, and community stakeholders. Leaders like Doubell are essential partners in this mission. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we continue working together to create an environment where residents feel protected, supported, and secure.”
