Police, community structures honoured at glitzy affair
SAPS Durban Central was not to be outshone when men and women in blue were honoured at an inaugural provincial awards event. One of their own scooped the coveted Innovative Member of the Year award.
MEN and women in blue, together with supporting structures, were recently honoured by the office of the Provincial Commissioner of KZN SAPS at a glittering event attended by top brass in the force.
The Community Police Forum (CPF), Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD), and Visible Policing (VISPOL) Appreciation and Awards Ceremony highlighted the role of these structures in the battle against crime. It was the first time that the Provincial Visible Policing organised an event that acknowledges, appreciates, and rewards the sacrifices, dedication, and passion of volunteers whose vision is to realise a crime-free society.
Siyanda Biyela from the SAPS Durban Central walked away with the Youth Crime Prevention Desk & CPF: Innovative Member of the Year award.
“The ceremony is aimed at appreciating and rewarding Community Police Forums and CPF members whose contributions have maintained stability in their areas and improved relationships between police and communities,” shared SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Phumelele Makoba, shared, “It is an absolute honour and unprecedented privilege to be addressing both police officers and community members under one roof, on an occasion of appreciating the contribution of CPF and Youth Crime Prevention structures towards the fight against crime in our province.
“Visible Policing Awards were born last year, but when we went back to the drawing board, we realised the importance of appreciating the amazing work that community crime prevention structures are doing to curb crime in our communities,” Makoba said.
She mentioned that the partnership between police and communities, via the established democratically and transparently elected committees, had been growing from strength to strength.
“The province of KwaZulu-Natal has seen massive improvements in our crime statistics in recent years, especially on violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and rape,” added Makoba.
In conclusion, Makoba paid respect to all members of the CPF, Youth Crime Prevention Desks, and other crime-fighting structures who served the community before they died.
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