eMBALENHLE – Best performing eMbalenhle police detectives were appreciated by their commander last week.
The appreciation ceremony was held at eMbalenhle Police Station on Thursday, 11 March.
These detectives received certificates and were encouraged to work even harder to put criminals behind bars.
“We awarded them with certificates of appreciation, because they spend most of their time working tirelessly. Even if they are off duty, we call them and they never complain. They know that they took an oath of serving the public,” said Lieut-Col Andries Tshabalala, commander of the eMbalenhle detective branch.
Certificates were awarded to detectives whose investigations led to convictions and sentences from six to 15 years’ imprisonment.
These cases range from murder, being in possession of unlicensed firearms, rape and culpable homicide.
Lieut-Col Tshabalala warned the public about shoplifting.
He said three women were sentenced to six years in jail each for shoplifting.
“Sometimes the community has the perception that shoplifting won’t lead to a jail sentence, but my detectives proved that there is a sentence for every crime committed.
“I request our community to trust us and to give us information about criminals who are hiding in their areas so that justice can take its course,” he said.
“Because of the teamwork and commitment, we have criminals who have been convicted and who are now wearing orange overalls,” said Lieut-Col Tshabalala.
He said the police also need to be encouraged to perform to the best of their ability.
Some of the officers that were awarded certificates are Capt Chris Venter, Sgt Melusi Mthombeni, Sgt Kolame Malatjie, Sgt Shumbuzo Phungula, Const Sipho Zitha and Const Lunga Mmola.
Others were unable to come to the ceremony to collect their certificates due to their work commitment.
