LIMPOPO – Several Mopani District police officers were recognised among Limpopo’s top performers at the SAPS Provincial Excellence Awards held on October 10 in Polokwane.

This annual event celebrates officers who have demonstrated outstanding service delivery, discipline, and commitment to community safety.

The ceremony was officiated by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye, and Limpopo Police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe.

Ramathuba praised SAPS members for their dedication to fighting crime and stressed the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement, traditional leaders, and communities.

“These awards remind us of all of our shared responsibility to build safer communities,” she said.

Hadebe highlighted that excellence means integrity, professionalism, and compassionate leadership.

Among Mopani’s awardees, Const Khomotso Hlokwe was named Administration Employee of the Year (Level 5–7), and Sgt Ridgewell Rikhotso from Giyani SAPS earned the Visible Policing Employee of the Year award for the same level.

The Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit was a standout, with Sgt Nkakareng Joyce Rakgoale winning FCS Investigator of the Year (Level 5–7) and Lt Col Mangena Isaac Mahlane receiving the same honour for Level 8–12.

The Tzaneen FCS team, led by W O Setemo Simon Mathabatha, was named FCS Investigating Team of the Year for its consistent success in solving sensitive cases.

The Mopani District Tracking Team also won Detective and Forensic Team of the Year for their impressive record of tracing and apprehending suspects. Ritavi Police Station was recognised among Limpopo’s Best Performing Stations, reflecting the district’s strong operational performance and effective crime prevention.

Ramathuba emphasised ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide, particularly through initiatives in Thohoyandou and Tzaneen. She praised police for securing justice in a case involving the assault of a 101-year-old woman, calling it “a powerful reminder of the compassion and courage that define true policing.”

Hadebe closed the event by congratulating all winners and urging continued dedication as the festive season approaches. “Excellence is not a destination; it is a daily commitment to service and integrity,” she said.

The Overall Best Station award went to Ohrigstad Police Station in Sekhukhune District.