Numerous police officers, including the station commander of SAPS Potchefstroom, Brigadier Steven Moodley, were awarded medals for loyal service at the Provincial Head Office at Wespol Square on Friday, 1 March.
Brigadier Moodley and Colonel Hendrik Kriel were two Potch-based members who received their 40-year loyal service medals from the provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Sello Kwena.
Eight members in total received 40-year service medals. Others also received 30- and 20-year long-service medals.
service medal for 40 years of service. Next to him are Major General (Dr) Ganasen Naidoo
(deputy provincial commissioner Support Services North West) and Brigadier Neville
Seymour (retired on 29 February 2024).
Brigadier Moodley said he was honoured to receive the 40-year medal after loyal service in blue throughout the years.
“My commitment was to serve my God and country. I could do that diligently because of my very supportive family.
My wife Shirley Moodley; my children Stephanie Crowie, Sera Franklin, and Sasha Amelia Moodley, thank you for allowing me to fulfil my purpose in life,” said Moodley.
He enlisted in the force on 16 September 1982 and has been the Potchefstroom station commander since 2018.
“I have served the people of this country while working at various policing precincts thus far.
“I thank God for granting me the strength to do this work. Through some tough and trying times, God has seen me through,” added Moodley.
“It is a significant milestone in my long journey with the South African Police Service. I will exit the South African Police Service on 30 April 2024; that will be very emotional. “I thank all the people who have groomed me into the police officer I have become,” stated Moodley in an appreciative post on social media.
He also thanked his colleagues, superiors, peers and subordinates for working with him and being part of an effective team that has significantly impacted the fight against crime.
Seven new members who completed the Tactical Response Team (TRT) course were congratulated and received badges and berets. Constable Bafana from Potchefstroom was the only woman of 124 applicants to complete it.
The provincial commissioner, supported by all his deputy provincial commissioners, said the police were committed to continuing to work hard.
This is to ensure the communities in North West were protected, especially with the upcoming National Elections.
He emphasised that it was police management’s responsibility to recognise good work and boost the morale of members, given the difficult circumstances under which police officials work.
Kwena encouraged those police officials who were on parade for the last time and were retiring.
“You dedicated your life to serving the community with pride and were a valuable member of the police, the family of men and women in blue. Thank you for protecting and serving the people of South Africa, especially North West.
You completed such a fulfilling career in the police and are an example and inspiration to all young police officials. You are police officials we honour and look up to.”
