Police honour their own

Some members of the Actonville, Benoni, Boksburg, Boksburg North, Brakpan, Crystal Park, Dalpark, Daveyton, Etwatwa, Putfontein and Reiger Park police stations attended the ceremony.

Other high-ranking police officials from Gauteng, as well as members of the cluster’s various community policing forums, were also in attendance.

Ekurhuleni Central Cluster deputy commander Brig Thabo Mphuthi said the event is held to acknowledge those who have walked and worked an extra mile in the fight against crime.

“There is nothing that makes us feel greater and more honoured than seeing criminals behind bars,” said Mphuthi.

“We’ve been working as a team to ensure that a safe and secure environment is created.”

Mphuthi told the men and women in blue that they were valued, even if they did not walk away with an award.

“We thank every officer and members for their commitment to serving with dignity, enthusiasm and honour.”

Maj-Gen Poobalan Subbiah, Ekurhuleni Central Cluster commander, said the awards are the result of rising performance, leadership and management.

“A true indication of hard work comes with putting criminals behind bars,” said Subbiah.

“You’ve driven your members to drive criminals where they belong; you deserve more than just a ceremony.”

Reza Patel, CPF executive chairperson for the Ekurhuleni Central Cluster, shared motivational words with attendees and members of the cluster.

“You are our heroes, our knights in shining armour, our guardian angels,” said Patel.

“Know that the community loves you, no matter what they say, think or do.”

Top awards are:

•Administration Employee of the Year (level one to seven): Motlatsi Loate (Actonville Police Station)

•Vispol Employee of the Year (level three to seven): Const Zoliswa Kabini (Benoni SAPS)

•Vispol Employee of the Year (level eight to 12): Lieut-Col Charles Ramohope (Daveyton SAPS)

•Vispol Group of the Year: Ekurhuleni Central Task Team

•Detective Employee of the Year: Const Phuti Mashabela (Actonville SAPS)

•Detective Group of the Year: WO Phika Jonson, WO Johan Veldman, Const Vuyisile Pethu and Const Vekesh Balgovind (Actonville SAPS)

•Crime Intelligence Employee of the Year: Sgt Lefa Malele (Actonville SAPS)

•Man of the Year: Sgt Charles Kodisang (Crystal Park SAPS)

•Sport Star of the Year: Const Zunickha Essakjee (Benoni SAPS)

•Reservist of the Year: Const John Malinga (Daveyton SAPS).

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