Bloemfontein: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has awarded more than 30 top performers for going above and beyond the call of duty. The officials were given recognition at the SAPS’s National Excellence Awards, which recognises and honours outstanding performance, exceptional commitment to community relations, innovation, professionalism, and acts of bravery within the South African Police Service. The awards ceremony was held on Monday in Bloemfontein, under the theme: ‘Serving with integrity, celebrating excellence.’
According to South African Government News Agency, this prestigious event serves as a powerful reminder that behind every accolade is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and service – being a police officer is not merely a profession, but a calling. There are over 40 award categories, including the Ministry’s Award, National Commissioner’s Award, Operations Member of the Year, and others. Also amongst the award recipients are members whose investigations have significantly contributed to safer communities.
The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, together with Deputy Ministers Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, were joined by senior SAPS leadership and distinguished guests in commemorating service excellence. While welcoming all guests at the awards ceremony, General Masemola expressed his sense of pride. He acknowledged the excellence that unfolds in various challenging environments, such as courtrooms, forensic laboratories, and on the streets.
During his keynote address, the Minister congratulated all winners and nominees. He emphasized that each award recognises a pattern of behaviour that reflects the highest standards of policing and urged recipients to carry that standard forward. The awards underscore the SAPS’s unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, discipline, and high standards while celebrating those who embody the organization’s values.
The award recipients for the 2024/2025 financial year include Brigadier Hanana and his team from the Western Cape, who received a National Commissioner’s Award for their investigative work leading to significant convictions. Sgt NR Bokolo of the Eastern Cape was awarded Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigator of the Year. Handyman LD Mulaudzi from Gauteng received the Admin Employee of the Year award. The Station of the Year was awarded to SAPS Umkomaas in KwaZulu-Natal for significantly reducing complaints against the police. Colonel N Ndzotyana was recognized as Operations Member of the Year for leading a significant operation in the Free State province.