The dedication of the men and women in blue in the Northern Cape was rewarded when several provincial police officers walked away as winners at the National Excellence Awards ceremony that was held in Polokwane.
THE DEDICATION of the men and women in blue in the Northern Cape was rewarded when several provincial police officers walked away as winners at the National Excellence Awards ceremony that was held in Polokwane in Limpopo.
Police officers from across the country gathered and were awarded in several different categories at the event that took place at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium on January 28.
The Northern Cape, amongst several other awards, bagged the gong for Best Protection and Security Service (PSS) Employee of the Year and Best PSS Team of the Year and took one of the top positions in the Best Police Station in the country category.
The Province also scooped the third position in the Best Police Station category.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the members were elated with the recognition that they received, but he stressed that it did not come easy.
“Selecting the finest out of a large pool of high-flyers is definitely not an easy task, but the South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully continued ensuring that only the best was presented when it came to hosting the event that recognises the efforts of its members. The national award ceremony took place after the nine provinces and various divisions hosted their respective Excellence Award ceremonies, which then culminated in the winners having to compete at national level,” said Kock.
He added that the winners in the various categories were applauded for their achievements.
“Our members made the Province very proud when they had to face off against their counterparts during the event. Lieutenant-Colonel E Smit, attached to the Protection and Security Services in the Northern Cape, walked away as the best PSS Employee of the Year in the category level 8-12, while the PSS K9 unit, under the leadership of Captain S Davidson, also secured the first runner-up position for the PSS Team of the Year category.
“We also saw Brigadier J Myburg, who was previously attached to the Frances Baard District office, and his team take second position in the Detective and Forensic Services Team of the Year category. The Kimberley Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) team, under the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel H McKenzie, secured the third position as the FCS Team of the Year.
“Lieutenant-Colonel B Sebolai from the Provincial Human Resources Utilisation component was third in the category of Employee of the Year with a Disability. In the Best Station of the Year category, Prieska police station, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel R Ndou, walked away with the position.
“Sergeant S Opperman from the K9 unit in Calvinia secured the third position in the Visible Policing and Operations Employee of the Year level 5-7 category. During the year in review, Sergeant Opperman effected 93 arrests and conducted 577 searches that led to the recovery of drugs, vehicles and copper cable.”
Kock added that the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale and the national commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, as well as the national and provincial management, saluted all members for serving the country with diligence and honour.
“We salute not only the award winners, but all the men and women who are serving in the police force of this country, who saw it fit to take the oath, adhere to the Constitution and abide by the SAPS Code of Conduct to serve and protect with dignity and pride.”
