For the past five years, John Malinga has been working at the Benoni Police Station as a general worker, ensuring that the grounds remain well maintained.
On January 27, John, who is described as diligent and ambitious, was honoured at the SAPS National Excellence Awards, winning in the category of administrative employee for levels one to four.
The awards, which were held in Limpopo, coincided with the celebration of National Police Day and were aimed at bringing homage to individuals employed by the SAPS who go above and beyond the call of duty.
John’s entry for the award was motivated after he recovered an unlicenced firearm on the premises of the Benoni SAPS.
Having been serving as a police reservist for the Daveyton SAPS for the past two decades, John promptly reported the discovery to his superiors and the necessary testing was conducted on the firearm.
“John is one of our most dedicated staff members and always maintains a high standard of work ethic,” said Colonel Regina Rampota, head of support services at the station.
“We are incredibly proud of his award, especially because he was the only representative from our station, as well as the only nominee in his category, from Gauteng.”
But raking in awards is not new to John.
He has been a category winner at both district and provincial levels.
“In 2017, I received the award for national reservist of the year,” he said.
“I am passionate about the work that I do at the police station and as a reservist, as it gives me the opportunity to serve the community.”
Captain Nomsa Sekele, spokesperson for Benoni SAPS, said John’s accolades are admirable and speak of a person who takes great pride in their work.
“We thank him for the positive example he is setting,” said Sekele.
“We hope that others will follow in his footsteps.”
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