The cream of the police crop
Police officials from all over the province gathered at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort on Friday for the third annual Prestige Awards.
POLOKWANE – Police officials from all over the province gathered at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort on Friday for the third annual Prestige Awards.
Provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Fannie Masemola handed over the main trophies for the evening. (Photo gallery)
The winners of the best station commander, best cluster commander and ideal cop of the year titles were hand-picked by the provincial commissioner and were won by Col Marubini Mulaudzi, Brig Alex Seopa and Lt Col Abel Mashamba respectively.
Masemola praised the nominees for their hard work and commitment, and motivated police officials to deliver their best work during the upcoming festive season’s operations and anti-crime activities.
“It will be hard work and it is our busiest time of the year, but we must stay focused on our commitment to protect and serve our communities,” Masemola said.
Nominees and guests were treated to a three-course meal and performances by the police brass band throughout the evening.
Other awards given on the day included:
• Administration award that recognises employees who are managing the daily support environment of employees within the service: Motsatsi Ramalepe, C Kika Bham and Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi and WO Sarah Tsipa.
• Visible policing award given to police officials who went beyond the call of duty by making sure the province was secure through crime prevention strategies: Const Keythwill Gibbs and Lt Col Stephen Manasoe.
• Detective award that recognises an individual for his or her extraordinary investigation, which resulted in cracking a number of sophisticated crimes: Lt Col Abel Phetla.
• Best woman of the year award for the woman who made a significant contribution and impact on and added to the value of service delivery in the province: Lt Col Salome Matlamela.
• Best man of the year award for the man who made a significant contribution and impact on and added to the value of service delivery in the province: chaplain Allen Sefora.
• Sport star of the year award that recognises a sportsperson who distinguished him or herself excellently and displayed a character of diligence and perseverance in participating in provincial sporting events: Andries Lediga.
• Reservist of the year given to a reservist who availed him or herself with significant hours performed and ensured the achievement of output as well as contribution to improve service delivery: Const Eugene Engelbrecht.
• Disabled person of the year, an outstanding citation award that recognised the working ability, personal image and attitude towards life of a member of the force living with disability: Lammy Madala Mathye.
• Community policing forum (CPF) member of the year award that recognised the CPF member who was consistent throughout the year in community crime prevention: Mphilo Mphelo.
• Best Hawks detective of the year award that recognised an individual for his or her extraordinary investigation resulting in cracking a number of cases of sophisticated crimes: WO Mashudu Matumba.
• Best detective of the year award that recognised a young individual for being a good performer, having perseverance and for achieving the best client satisfaction in the investigation environment: Const Thabang Bogopa.
• Best operational manager of the year award that recognised the best operational manager by virtue of always being able and deployable across the province when such need arose: Brig Simon Sebola.
• Best K9 tracker dog handler award: Const Poiso Marope.
