Germiston officer inspires others by defying the odds of disability
“My commanders always commend my work. Their feedback means a lot to me as it motivates me to work harder."
Sanie Kgomo, a six-time award-winning SAPS member, celebrated her most recent achievement by sharing her experience leading to her disability.
She was disabled after a hit-and-run incident while on duty during the 2010 Fifa World Cup operations.
During the recent SAPS Ekurhuleni District Excellence awards, Kgomo from Germiston SAPS received the best SAPS member with a disability second runner-up award.
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She said receiving the award meant a lot to her as she did not expect to win it this year.
Kgomo won the category once and placed first runner-up four times.
“I have been honoured for the sixth time this year,” said Kgomo.
Kgomo works as the administrative clerk at the Germiston station and she loves her job and goes the extra mile to meet the requirements.
“I constantly greet and assist clients and coworkers with a smile. Members of different SAPS stations frequently visit my office to print documents, primarily those required by the court,” said Kgomo.
“My commanders always commend my work. Their feedback means a lot to me as it motivates me to work harder,” said Kgomo.
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She was working in the field in Rabie Ridge in 2010 when she was involved in the hit-and-run.
“I joined the SAPS in 2003 as a reservist, who is a member of the community who performs part-time policing functions or activities for SAPS voluntarily without being paid,” said Kgomo.
“While operating at night during the World Cup, I pulled over a car to examine and search the car. The driver didn’t have a licence. The vehicle belonged to the driver’s sister and he had taken it for the evening.
“After he hit me and fled, my co-workers rushed me to the hospital. After a manhunt, they found him and took him into custody from the informal settlement not far from the scene of the crime.
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“He entered a guilty plea in court and received a 20-year sentence for attempted murder.
“My goal is to encourage a new generation of disadvantaged and disabled individuals to put in extra effort to realise that everything is possible,” said Kgomo.
