| 2025/01/27 |
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Media Statement
KWAZULU-NATAL – Every year in January the South African Police Service (SAPS) gathers to celebrate hard work, sacrifice, dedication and commitment of its hard-working men and women in blue who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve and protect the people of South Africa. The SAPS hosted its 10th edition National Excellence Awards on Sunday, 26 January 2025 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) in KwaZulu-Natal to simply say thank you to its men and women in blue who have excelled in their respective fields in the last year – “Saluting those who shine in the line of duty”. This annual event encourages innovation and fosters a culture of excellence within the organisation to ensure all employees continue to deliver professional services to communities. The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu was joined by the Deputy Ministers of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale and Ms Polly Boshielo, the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola and various other distinguished guests at this prestigious occasion. This year, the National Excellence Awards boasted more than 40 award categories that included, among others; Vispol Team of the Year, Operational Member of the Year, Detective Service Member of the Year, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigator of the Year, Forensic Services Team of the Year, Woman of the Year, CPF of the Year, Station of the Year and Laurette Award (Overall Audience winner). The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu and the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola each presented additional awards in the special awards category. During his keynote address, Minister Mchunu congratulated all the winners and nominees, stating the following: “Your unwavering commitment to serving South Africa with integrity and dedication is commendable. You have set a high standard of professionalism and selflessness, inspiring your colleagues and the nation.” “Let us continue to strive for excellence in our service. The citizens of this country rely on us to uphold law and order, and it is through our unwavering dedication and teamwork that we can build a police service that is not only effective but also trusted and respected by the communities we serve,” Minister Mchunu concluded. Here are some of the members that walked away as winners in their categories: Groundsman NS Dubazane from SAPS Ladysmith, KZN was voted as this year’s Laureate Award Winner and walked away with a brand new vehicle and R20 000. This makes him a first-time car owner at the age of 46. Dubazane was also crowned overall winner in the Admin Employee of the Year level 2-4 category. He maintains SAPS Ladysmith’s surroundings, consistently ranked as KZN’s cleanest police station. Brigadier Nculu and Brigadier Ramangwa were awarded the Ministry Award for leading a multi-disciplinary takedown that led to the arrest of the Lusikisiki mass murder suspects who shot and killed 19 family members. The team has so far recovered all the high calibre firearms used in this crime and rounded up all eight suspects. The 8th suspect was arrested early this year. Sergeant N Peter, a detective attached to the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit in the Free State, was also awarded with a Ministry Award. Peter’s sterling and meticulous investigations has led to a collective of 5 life terms and 337 years in prison for 32 rapists. Her recent conviction saw Vuyisile Jackson Mamokgwe being handed down a lengthy 32 years imprisonment by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court for raping women and children in Manguang. Warrant Officer TJ Mokoena was awarded the National Commissioner’s Award for securing 42 life terms and 791 years imprisonment for a serial rapist. To date, Mokoena placed 27 serial rapists behind bars. Brigadier Lategan, head of the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, and his team walked away as winners in the Vispol Team of the Year category. They led 11 operations seizing counterfeit items worth more than R154 million. Using creative strategies like data analytics and partnerships, the team has disrupted illegal activities and built public trust. Forensic Services Employee of the Year level 8-12 was awarded to Captain van der Merwe, a Senior Forensic Analyst, who has handled over 600 biological relationship cases. She managed large-scale projects like the Marshalltown Fire and Thabo Bester cases, confirming identities and ensuring seamless analysis processes. Her dedication and efficiency make her an invaluable asset to the organisation. Station of the Year was awarded to SAPS Alberton in Gauteng province which is under the leadership of the Station Commander, Colonel OK Letloenyane. The management of the South African Police Service continues to promote and encourage all members of the SAPS to continuously aim for service excellence in the execution of their daily duties towards a safer country for all. Ends
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