North West SAPS lauded women in blue for their service and dedication this past Friday, 21 January, during a medal parade and gala dinner in Potchefstroom.
The celebration formed part of National Police Day 2022 with the theme “The Role of Women in Policing.” This was also the 50th anniversary of women in the South African Police Service. Numerous dignitaries and high ranking officials attended this special two part event.
During the Medal Parade in the morning which was held opposite SAPS Potchefstroom station, the NW MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Mr Sello Lehari and the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena conferred the South African Police Service Thirty Year Loyal Service Medals to 16 female police officers.
These officers served for a period of at least thirty years, which need not to be continuous, and who has displayed an irreproachable character and exemplary conduct.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena emphasised the importance of women in the SA Police. “These medals signify the positive change that women has made in the police service. Research has shown that law enforcement should reflect a community at all levels. Women in policing has increased operational effectiveness and community trust,” stated Kwena.
Various awards were also up for grabs at a special gala dinner which was held at the Madiba Banquet Hall. The winners are as follows:
- Best Female Station Commander: Colonel Booyce of Madikwe
- SAPS Best Female Detective Investigator: WO Dry of Ikageng Detectives
- Best Female Detective Commander: Lt Col Moduenyane of Madikwe Detectives
- Best Female VISPOL Commander: Lt Col Tube of Phokeng K9 Unit
- Best Specialised Investigation Female Member: Sgt Rasego of the Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
- Best Female Support Services Member/Commander: Snr Admin Clerk Molefe of Bethanie SAPS
- Best Female Game Changer / Community Builder: Sgt Moeng of Ganyesa SAPS
- Best Female Member with Specialised and Scarce Skills: Capt Pilane of Rustenburg Mounted Unit
- Special Recognition Award: Best Initiative for improving Station Environment, Displaying Creativity and Innovation:
- Lt Col Lelaka of Mmakau SAPS
- Retired WO H Marks of Mothotlung SAPS
- Provincial Commissioner’s Nomination Award:
- Lt Col A Nthekang of Rustenburg SAPS, Shift Commander
- Snr Admin Clerk A Venter of Huhudi MIC
Dr Thato Mosehle, a Medical Doctor, former Miss SA 1st runner-up and a daughter to a police officer, Lt Col Mosehle, motivated predominantly women attendees.
Among others, she said: “Explore the environment in pursuit of your dream. We are stronger together.” Both Events were supported by the MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Mr Sello Lehari and Cllr Mkhabela, the MMC for Public Safety in the JB Marks Local Municipality.
“More and more women are continuing to change the mind set as they fight not only inequality, but also are crime fighters. The task of the police is to serve and protect the communities, the community in turn, should protect the community by not giving refuge to criminals. Attacks on police, is an attack on society. We can do more together and together we must fight Gender Based Violence. We salute women in blue;” said Lehari.
