LIMPOPO – Phalaborwa police officers shined during the Mopani district leg of the SAPS Prestigious Awards at Shidila Lodge in Tzaneen on Thursday, October 24.

The annual event acknowledges staff members including ranking police officers, cleaners, data capturers, finance department officials and administration personnel.

From Phalaborwa Police Station, Capt Lynette Fourie was named the best administrative employee of the year (level 8 to 12).

Sergeant Sharlot Luphondo-Mkansi was named Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) employee of the year (levels 5 to 7) and Sgt Khazamula Mhlongo, also from Phalaborwa FCS, obtained third place (levels 5 to 8).

Lieutenant Colonel Condry Mathebula from Namakgale Police Station won the award for best detective and forensic member of the year (levels 5 to 7).

Fourie heads the financial department of the police stations in Phalaborwa including Gravelotte, Namakgale, Hoedspruit and Lulekani. She told the Herald she appreciated being acknowledged for her work.

Luphondo-Mkansi also said that it is encouraging to be acknowledged by your superiors.

“It means that we are on the right track,” she said.

Mathebula said he hopes the award will inspire and encourage others to work with diligence.

The winners received a trophy and certificates from Mopani district commander, Major General Willy Mashava.

The awards start at district level and progress to provincial and ultimately at a national level.

Other winners include Hannah Mokoena and Mapula Makgoba from Hoedspruit Police Station as the best admin team of the year (levels 1 to 4).

Sergeant Glenda Mathebula from Tzaneen’s FCS was named employee of the year in her department.

Mashava congratulated the winners and also applauded his predecessor, Major General Maggie Mathebula.

“Your legacy of excellence inspired us. Thank you for being here and we are privileged to have a true icon in law enforcement,” he said.