SAPS rewards excellence

It was a battle of who puts their lives in the firing line and who served the Gauteng community most at the fourth annual Prestige Awards Ceremony held at Birchwood Hotel recently. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Management recognised police members for going an extra mile.

Bravery and excellence made top list under new leadership of Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Lesetja Joel Mothiba.

More than 20 deserving members from across the province were rewarded during the day.

Lt Gen Mothiba explained that he is meeting to honour not merely police members of a high repute, but to thank ordinary men and women in blue who are ensuring the community’s safety.

“Recipients braved the dangerous situations while some ensured that service delivery is provided effectively to the million citizens,” he said.

He added that some of the members interrupted assaults, sprang into action while off-duty and solved complex cases. He thanked members of SAPS for their courage and hard work.

Among the winners were two members of Randburg Police – constables Mtholeni Buthelezi and Mthembeni Bhengu won the Arrest of the Year award.

They faced a deadly situation when an armed group of suspects fired at them with semi-automatic rifles while attending to a complaint.

The suspects were arrested and are behind bars.

The biggest award of the night went to a team that arrested ‘king of bling’ and fugitive Mashobane Mbatha who was about to flee the country. The members were awarded with The National Monetary and Non-Monetary Awards Certificate of Commendation and a cash reward for their efforts and sacrifices.

Lt Gen Mothiba showed his gratitude and explained that with SAPS together with the community, crime will be fought to its knees. “The Gauteng people shall be safe and secure,” he assured.