Community stalwarts lauded at awards ceremony
Sunningdale residents recognised for their efforts in rescue operation in 2012.
THE brutal assault, hijacking and kidnapping of Durban North resident, Dorothy Carlyle, in 2012 made international headlines and shocked the local community. However, the news of her abduction also galvanised the close-knit community into action, which led to a daring rescue mission which ended outside a shebeen in KwaMashu.
Her captors, who were partying the night away were unaware as SAPS officers, members of Marshall Security and other rescue personnel surrounded the shebeen. Police were able to pinpoint her location using a tracker. She had been stuffed into a boot and kept for more than 10 hours in the cramped space.
Her rescuers were formally recognised at provincial SAPS awards ceremony at the Coastlands Hotel in uMhlanga on Friday. Five members from the Durban North SAPS, Const Zanele Nene, Col Wimpy Lombard, Col Siyanda Ngcobo (station commander at the time), Capt Musa Msomi, Capt Bongani Mazibuko as well as Marshall Secuirty’s Tyron Powell and Netcare 911s Gary Paul, both police reservists, were recipients of a SAPS Commendation Medal for the case.
Powell, who has been a reservist for 18 years, said he was honoured by the medal.
“It’s a proud moment in my career and I’m honoured. While were waiting on stage, they read out the story of the case and it was fantastic just remembering the community rallying to rescue Dorothy (Carlyle), and that she was safe and sound.
“All of the members that received an award were off duty at the time, and it points to their dedication and resolve to succeed in the rescue mission,” Powell said.
His words were echoed by fellow Sunningdale resident, and former Northwood School pupil, Gary Paul.
“It’s one of the highlights of my career. It’s extremely rewarding knowing you can make a difference to someone else’s life. We don’t do this for recognition, but I’m humbled by the award. I know I speak on behalf of Tyron when I say we have a passion to serve the community and help where we can,” Paul said.
Durban North SAPS spokesman, Lt Raymond Deokaran, praised the officers from the station who were also recognised at the awards ceremony.
“The station management is extremely proud of all of the officers involved in the rescue mission and especially with the sentences handed down to the men. They all showed tremendous courage and we congratulate them,” he said.
The arrest of Carlyle’s tormentors also saw them collectively sentenced to 135 years.
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