
Mr Jacobus Dickenson Prinsloo, Correctional Officer Grade 1, from the Ermelo Correctional Centre has been rewarded for his excellent service.
He received a first-place award during the Excellence Awards for the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and NorthWest region. He also took third place at the Sixth Annual National Awards in the Public Safety category.
He was nominated for excellence in enhancing security and the humane treatment of offenders, as well as compliance with the security standards policy. His 23 years’ experience has helped him on several occasions when he was confronted with danger.
In 2003 he was held hostage with other officials and they were dumped at a deserted area.
While escorting a high-profile offender to Mayflower in 2012, robbers shot at them, but they managed to get the offender to court and back again. Mr Prinsloo also played a pivotal role in Mangaung during his three-months’ stay where inmates had taken charge of the prison and held officers hostage.
He was called in as an Emergency Support Team member to resolve the situation by drawing up security plans and gang management.
Ms Jennifer Nkosi, one of his colleagues, says she has learned valuable lessons from Mr Prinsloo during the 15 years she has known him.
Ms Jumari du Plessis recalls that Mr Prinsloo was a thin, inexperienced, young man when he joined the Ermelo facility, but he has made a huge impact in the centre since.
Head of the Correctional Centre, Mr Mduduzi Hector Nkosi, is thankful to have someone like Mr Prinsloo in his team.
“He has done a sterling and amazing job in ensuring zero per cent escapes and incidents at the centre. He is also an example to other officials,” said Mr Nkosi.
The father of two children is a passionate Taekwondo student and involved in community policing and neighbourhood watch.
One of his safety tips to members of the community is to avoid attracting unnecessary attention to oneself.