Thokoza SAPS trio receives commendation certificates

Three constables from Tokoza SAPS were given commendation certificates by Gen Khehla Sithole from the National Commission of SAPS for successfully apprehending the most wanted suspects in Thokoza in September 2018.

February 8, 2020

Aaron Damane 2 minutes read

Back: Lt Col Henry Kruger, Capt Bongani Dube, acting head of visible policing, and Capt Jones Sodi, relief commander. Front: Const Nelson Mogajane, Const Mampi Mathaba and Const Zamikhaya Tyatye.

On behalf of the station commander, Lt Col Henry Kruger gave the three constables – Nelson Magajane, Mampi Mathaba and Zamikhaya Tyatye – the awards at the Thokoza Police Station on February 5.

Handing over the certificates to the constables, Kruger thanked the trio for their hard work and making sure the five suspects who robbed Shoprite Usave at the corner of Palesa and Kagiso streets in Thokoza in September 2018 remain behind the bars.

“Before the arrest, the shop had been robbed multiple times. These three souls did a good job by apprehending the suspects because ever since the arrest of the suspects there has never been another robbery reported at that store. We would like to thank them,” Kruger told Kathorus MAIL.

Mathaba, who was on leave on the day of the arrests of the suspects, said he went to a fast food shop opposite Shoprite Usave on the day.

“I noticed people running from the shop. I suspected there was a robbery taking place and decided to call my colleagues who were on duty at that time for backup. They came and we all gave a chase in the direction the suspects went. Our investigation led us to an RDP house in Palm Ridge Extension Four, just next to the court where the suspects were cornered and arrested,” said Mathaba.

Tyatye said after forcefully entering the said RDP house, they found all five suspects inside the house. Two unlicensed firearms were recovered.

“We also found the five suspects in possession of the stolen Shoprite Usave property – cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of money – and suspected stolen cellphones,” said Tyatye.

The five suspects, who were denied bail, have been linked to numerous crimes committed in Thokoza and Katlehong and are behind bars in Thokoza SAPS cells, waiting for their trial to commence.

Magajane added that they appreciate being rewarded by the National Commission of SAPS.

“What we did is a good symbol of what the police job is all about. When duty calls, we must respond even if we are off-duty, which is what we did. I would like to plead with everyone who puts on the police badge to work hard to put the bad guys behind bars, where they belong,” said Magajane.

Thokoza SAPS acting Vispol head Capt Bongani Dube said their members follow instructions very well.

“It means they are good listeners. They carry our vision in everything they do, especially when they do their job.

“This will put Thokoza SAPS on the map, showing we are doing our job even in an area that is so difficult to police,” explains Dude.

For their hard work, the three constables were given certificates and the sum of R10 000 each from the National Commission of SAPS.

When asked for comment on the loss sustained, Annie Dila, regional admin for Shoprite Usave, said they are not allowed to disclose this information.

“I promise to ask for permission from my seniors to provide information, but I am not sure if they will allow me to share such information with you,” Dila said.

Kathorus MAIL is still waiting for comment from Shoprite Usave management.