Brave officers rewarded
The duo received the awards for their valiant efforts in preventing cash-in-transit heists.
Two members of the Ekurhuleni Central Trio operational task team were recently awarded the Minister’s Award as part of the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations) awards.
Constable Divan de Gouvela and Warrant Officer Barry Kruger have been bestowed this prestigious award for their excellent performance within an exceptional classification in the minister’s honours.
“The commendation was for their contribution in combating and prevention of a cash-in-transit robbery, as well as the arrest of 19 suspects in Dalpark, Brakpan, on July 23, 2021,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, communications officer for Brakpan SAPS.
The award comes after the officers, along with members of the Hawks and local security companies, acted on information about a group planning a spate of CIT robberies throughout the province.
“Information led officers to a home in Rangeview Road, Dalpark, where the suspects were allegedly preparing for a heist,” said SAPS acting provincial commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni at the time of the incident.
“When the police arrived at the house in the early hours of the morning, the suspects tried to evade arrest. However, the police managed to arrest 19, while two men were shot and killed.”
Three R5 rifles, four AK47s, two pistols and two explosive charges, which were ready to be used, as well as nine vehicles, four identified as hijacked or stolen, were found on the premises.
During the dramatic raid, De Gouvela sustained a gunshot wound to the face.
“These officers are a shining example of law enforcers remaining professional and level-headed in a volatile situation,” said Buthelezi.
“They played a pivotal role in bringing dangerous criminals to book and we commend their extraordinary service.”
