“We cannot accommodate laziness, slow delivery of service and a poor sense of urgency that in turn robs our people of decent policing services,” were the words from Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe at the annual MEC’s Excellence Awards at Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) last Thursday.
The MEC’s awards are presented by the provincial department every year to the best performing police stations, clusters and individual contribution, among others. This year’s awards saw 86 police stations take part in a thorough evaluation exercise involving departmental officials and members of the Community Police Forums (CPFs).
Machadodorp Station was named the overall best police station in the province.
Speaking at the same event, Shongwe said it is important for police members to learn from one another and comply with the police code of conduct and ethics, which emphasises the importance of ethical behaviour and integrity for all employees.
Nomvula Mhlongo, a police reservist in Ermelo, was the recipient of the MEC’s Special Award for her contribution and hard work.
“This lady is one of the special officers I’ve worked with. Through her tireless efforts, the Ermelo CBD is kept incident-free because of her dedication,” said Shongwe, as he handed over the award to Ms Mhlongo.
The department’s Traffic Intervention Unit and South African Police Service’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) also received MEC Special Awards for their work in crime prevention and enhancing road safety in the province.
Other special awards recipients were the province’s Protection and Security Services.
