Parkview Police Station’s Sergeant Iris Phoko, head of social crime prevention, has won the provincial Policewoman of the Year award.
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The ceremony took place on 30 September in Pretoria and turned out to be a joyous occasion for Parkview Police Station as they were recognised provincially for Phoko’s work.
“It feels great and I feel honoured; it really motivates me to continue doing my job efficiently and in the right way. It really feels good to know that there are people out there who recognise and appreciate one’s hard work and dedication,” commented Phoko.
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She explained that she won the award for her dedication to her job and being selfless in helping victims of domestic violence, and making sure that she arranged counselling for them. Phoko was involved with the community in visiting domestic workers at various churches in the Parkview precinct to teach and educate them about domestic violence.
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The sergeant was also commended for her work in finding homes for children who were abandoned by their parents.
She was also awarded for taking schoolchildren to visit a prison and instilling within them the message that crime does not pay! Phoko teaches schoolchildren about bullying and other criminal activities and guides school searches to prevent pupils from bringing drugs and dangerous weapons to school.
The project she participates in at old age homes was recognised provincially; as well as her involvement with the community by helping them after hours and weekends when a community member experiences problems with their teenager.
“I don’t leave any complaints unattended, no matter what time it is. I make sure I do my work before I go home and I feel happy when I know I’m making a difference,” added Phoko.
Sandile Mkhize, Parkview police’s proud station commander, commented by saying he knew Phoko would win because he knows the type of hard worker she is. “I really had no doubt she’d win; she has really done the station proud and we feel honoured to have her,” he said.
Phoko will represent the station again, as she will run for the National Policewoman of the Year award which is set to take place early next year.
“It is really motivating seeing Phoko recognised for her hard work. We, as a station, are very proud of her and the way she is able to work so easily with the community to achieve excellent results. We commend her for her award and her hard work,” said Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, communications officer for Parkview police.