The three police constables Tebogo Seroka, Abel Maphetho and Silence Tshilambwane and Sergeant Lebohang Mokoena could not believe it when Colonel Berry Mashaba handed over the certificates of appreciation to them.
Mokoena has served in the police for 12 years.
In 2002 Mokoena worked at the criminal record centre in Springs before moving to the Nigel Police Station in 2007 and then joined the KwaThema Police Station in 2011.
He says in his 12 years of experience as a policeman, this is the first time that he received a certificate of appreciation from the station commander.
“Getting a certificate encourages me to do my job with more love and dedication, knowing that there are people who recognise the hard work that we do,” said an excited Mokoena.
He confirmed that the police are faced with many challenges, including the individual community members who refuse to work with the police so that the criminals can be arrested.
“Community members should make the police their friends and work together to fight against crime in our townships,” appealed Mokoena.
He said despite the challenges that police are faced with, one of the things that he loves about his job is always protecting the country’s citizens.
“I believe that recognising the hard work done by our police officers encourages them to ensure the safety of the citizens,” said Mashaba.
He said despite the criticism that they get from the community members there are also some members of the community who applaud them for their good work.
“We love and accept the constructive criticism as we learn and grow from it,” Mashaba said.
He went on to say that the station will continue rewarding those who are dedicated in their work as they work hard to creating crime-free societies.