The Northern Cape SAPS Excellence Awards celebrated the dedication and achievements of police members who exemplify outstanding service and commitment to their communities.
THE NORTHERN Cape Excellence Awards, a prestigious event celebrating outstanding service within the South African Police Service (SAPS), took place on December 6 at the Boontjieskraal Conference Centre in Kimberley. Hosted by provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, the evening brought together dignitaries and SAPS leadership to honour excellence across various categories.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the event was graced by the presence of the MEC for Coghsat and Transport, Safety, and Liaison, Bentley Vass, alongside divisional, provincial, and district SAPS management.
Police officers and SAPS members from the Northern Cape were acknowledged and awarded for service excellence in 34 categories.
The evening began with a heartfelt welcoming address by Major-General Thabo Mphuthi, the deputy provincial commissioner for Corporate Services. Labour unions Popcru and Sapu added their voices, expressing gratitude for the dedication and unwavering commitment of the award recipients.
In her address, Lieutenant-General Otola emphasised the SAPS’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices and invaluable contributions of its employees.
“Your exceptional dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence have earned you this prestigious recognition,” said Lieutenant-General Otola.
She added that the awards not only celebrate individual and team achievements but also inspire a culture of excellence within the SAPS, encouraging others to follow the example set by the award winners.
The achievements of SAPS members, spanning both support and operational roles, were presented as proof of their steadfast dedication to serving the organisation and their communities.
MEC Vass also congratulated the recipients in his keynote address, commending their hard work and dedication. He also noted the positive impact of SAPS efforts, evidenced by a decline in serious crimes in the second quarter crime statistics, released on the same day.
He also encouraged SAPS members to continue building public trust through integrity, respect, and exemplary service.
“Fulfil your duty to protect and serve,” Vass concluded, inspiring the audience to uphold the values of their profession.
The following officers and members were recognised and awarded for service excellence during 2023/24:
ADMINISTRATION
Administration Employee of the Year:
• Level 2-4: Cleaner E Thomas (Upington Garage)
• Level 5-7: CAC N.R. Kaars (Provincial OD and Strategic Management)
• Level 8-12: Captain M.M. Moleele (Pampierstad SAPS)
Administration Team of the Year: Rosedale SAPS Finance
VISIBLE POLICING
Vispol Member of the Year:
• Level 5-7: Sergeant S.D. Opperman (Calvinia K9 Unit)
• Level 8-12: Lt Colonel S.T. Mphofu (Marydale SAPS Station Commander)
Vispol Team of the Year: Rosedale SAPS Sector Teams
OPERATIONS
Operations Member of the Year:
• Level 5-7: WO T.R. Letwaba (Provincial POCC)
• Level 8-12: Colonel G.G. Dikgetse (Provincial POCC)
Operational Team of the Year: Provincial Operational Coordination
DETECTIVE SERVICE
Detective Service Employee of the Year:
• Level 5-7: WO C.J. Bekker (Onseepkans Detectives)
• Level 8-12: Captain A.J.F. Swanepoel (Port Nolloth Detectives)
Detective Service Team of the Year: Upington Detective Service
FAMILY VIOLENCE, CHILD PROTECTION and SEXUAL OFFENCES
FCS Investigator of the Year:
• Level 5-7: Sergeant J. Lakey (Kimberley FCS)
• Level 8-12: Colonel M.T. Strydom (Galeshewe FCS)
FCS Team of the Year: Galeshewe FCS
CRIME INTELLIGENCE
Crime Intelligence Employee of the Year:
• Level 5-7: Sergeant T.M. van Rooyen (Springbok Crime Intelligence)
Crime Intelligence Team of the Year: Namakwa Crime Intelligence
FORENSIC SERVICES
Forensic Services Employee of the Year:
• Level 5-7: Sergeant T. Mogoiwa (Kimberley LCRC)
• Level 8-12: Captain R.A.J. Manuel (Springbok LCRC)
Forensic Services Team of the Year: Decentralised LCRC
PROTECTION and SECURITY SERVICES
Protection and Security Services Employee of the Year:
• Level 5-7: WO N.M. Diederiks (Provincial PSS)
• Level 8-12: Lt Colonel E.J. Smit (Provincial PSS)
Protection and Security Services Team of the Year: Northern Cape Specialised and Technical Unit
OTHER NOTABLE AWARDS
Senior Operational Manager of the Year: Brigadier H.A. Janse van Rensburg (Provincial POCC)
Man of the Year: Brigadier H.A. Janse van Rensburg
Woman of the Year: Constable N.C. Mkosana (Strydenburg SAPS)
Sportsman of the Year: Constable L.C. Motshedi (Danielskuil CSC)
Sportswoman of the Year: Sergeant K.O. Pule (Deben SAPS)
Person with Disability of the Year: CAC M.F. Hugo (Hopetown SAPS)
Reservist of the Year: R/Captain P.F. George (Marydale SAPS)
Station of the Year: Marydale SAPS
CPF of the Year: Tsineng SAPS
The Provincial Commissioner’s Awards were presented to individuals personally selected by the Provincial Commissioner for their exemplary conduct, including:
• Major-General J.P. Raymond
• Brigadier H.A. Janse van Rensburg
• WO H.J. Mali
• Personal Assistant R. Carolus
• Northern Cape SAPS Air Wing
The evening concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the provincial head of Crime Intelligence, Major-General Jacques Raymond.
