Newly promoted Sergeant George Manala continues to sniff out drugs in Sector 3 of the Bedfordview SAPS policing precinct.
Last year, Sgt Manala was awarded the Top Cop of the Month Award for five consecutive months.
During the station’s year-end awards ceremony, Sgt Manala took home both the Visible Member as well as the Top Cop of the Year 2014 awards.
Over four consecutive days, Sgt Manala arrested six people for possession of drugs.
The Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said the arrests were made during Sgt Manala’s patrol duties.
“He has proven to be vigilant and also takes a lot of pride in his work. He is here to serve, to fight against crime and that is exactly what he is doing. The station is proud of him,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
2014 was a successful year for Sgt Manala.
“In April, I arrested 18 people, 10 of whom were in possession of drugs. In May, I made 23 arrests, 14 of which were drug-related. In June, I arrested 16 people, 12 of whom were in possession of drugs. Between July and August, I managed to arrest 33 suspects, 31 of whom were in possession of drugs,” he said of his 2014 record.
Sgt Manala said youngsters wishing to join the police service should not get into it the job for the wrong reasons.
“Be passionate and prepared to serve the community,” he said.
Before his promotion, he said that come the next five years, he sees himself in a more senior position.
“I do not see myself doing anything else. Hopefully I will grow professionally until I become a general,” he said at the time.
