Thokoza SAPS rewarded for their good deeds
Thokoza men and women in blue took most of the prizes during an award ceremony at Carnival City on November 17.
The award ceremony was organised for the Ekurhuleni West Cluster by cluster commander Major General Auma Korae.
Cluster coordinator Captain Andre de Jager said: “The purpose of the ceremony was to honour men and women in the cluster for their efforts and commitment they have shown in the current financial year 2016-2017.”
The theme of the day was “We are the champions”.
During the ceremony, Thokoza CPF members were awarded trophies and certificates for helping solve crimes. They achieved position one in the cluster.
Two CPF members, Dimakatso Motha and Pearl Manqele (chairperson), received the award on behalf of Thokoza CPF members.
Other awards went to the following dedicated police members:
• Detective Constable Teboho Rampai was chosen as the best detective.
• Sergeant Phineus Ledwaba achieved position two in visible policing.
• Lieutenant Colonel Marthinus Pienaar took position one in group investigation.
• Colonel Reckson Shiburi (station commander) received an award for leading a station that is quick to respond to complaints. He also received an award for his good management of the station.
The station took position three in the cluster for its quick response times.
All members received certificates and trophies.
On November 24 the station organised a year-end party at the premises during which all police members were thanked for their dedication. Kathorus MAIL as a reliable source of news in the local community was invited to the celebration.
“This will reduce complaints from the community about the police. They will now know that Thokoza SAPS has the public’s best interests at heart,” Shiburi told Kathorus MAIL.
He added that other police stations experience an increase in crime at this time of the year. “But we as Thokoza SAPS have managed to reduce crime because of visible policing in malls and in crime hotspots in the township and shutting down illegal shebeens.”
He sent a strong message to corrupt police officers who are still on the force.
“As soon as we prove that the police officers are involved in a certain crime, we will quickly ban them from serving on the force.
“The community members must not keep quiet if they know of any involvement of the police in crime. They must quickly contact me on 082 822 8103,” he said.
Manqele said this police station’s achievements would not have been possible without the positive response from the community.
“It really shows that the community has faith in the work we do. We have seen that during Izimbizo and public meetings,” said Manqele.
She said she doesn’t mind sharing her personal number with the public as long as it is going to save lives.
“If people are going to use my number to report and give tips about crime, I don’t mind receiving a call even in the middle of the night,” Manqele told Kathorus MAIL.
She invited community members to call her on 071 301 0523.
