Service medals were awarded to members of the SAPS within Ekurhuleni at the Ekurhuleni District medal parade held at Laerskool Jan Van Riebeeck on Wednesday morning.
The medal ceremony was part of a parade led by district commissioner Major General Anna Sithole to award members in the district for their loyal and faithful service.
With the carrying theme of striving never to quit, the service was opened by SAPS Reverend Godfrey Booysen who reminded the men and women in blue to keep on fighting the good fight with faith.
“Winners never quit. I urge you to stand in the battle even when it seems hopeless,” said Booysen.
The officers received life lessons that would motivate them to continue within the police force loyally and diligently.
These words of wisdom were imparted to them during the welcoming of functionaries’ speech delivered by Springs SAPS station commander Brigadier Thembeka Gwebushe.
She also emphasised the importance of conducting yourself in a respectable manner within the communities they serve.
“For us to promote a professional and effective service to our communities, discipline must be strictly maintained by members of the SAPS at all times,” said Gwebushe.
“It is important that police members conduct themselves in a manner that will change the perception of the public by improving confidence and creating a positive outlook on the service as an organisation.”
Gwebushe added that, as part of the national development plan, professional police services are essential for a strong justice system linked to the police code of conduct.
Service medals were handed out to members who had served in the force for 10 and 20 years, respectively.
Among the recipients were police officers at the Kwa-Thema and Springs police stations.
20-year service medal:
• Sergeant TPC Masina (Kwa-Thema).
• Sergeant TC Mkhwanazi (Kwa-Thema).
• Warrant officer J Sogcwayi (Kwa-Thema).
• Warrant officer Cyprian Makhubu (Springs).
• Warrant Officer Frank Modise (Springs).
10-year service medal:
• Constable TL Chiloane (Kwa-Thema).
• Constable A M Da Gama (Kwa-Thema).
• Constable SM Leboko (Kwa-Thema).
• Constable David van den Bergh (Springs).
Sithole congratulated the members and emphasised that no matter how difficult their work is, they need to continue serving their communities with zest, commitment, pride, honesty, and faithfulness, as they have been doing.
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