SAPS thanked and rewarded for hard work
Tracker awarded the police officers for their work in recovering stolen vehicles.
MBOMBELA – Members of SAPS were rewarded for their work in crime fighting over the last year during the Mpumalanga Provincial Awards Ceremony hosted by Tracker.
These awards form part of the Tracker SAPS National Awards. SAPS deputy provincial commissioner, Gen Isaac Phaahla, delivered a keynote speech, which addressed the low morale of the provincial police services and how they appreciated it when their hard work was acknowledged.
The Lebombo Port of Entry unit was awarded the best-unit title and Const Hannes Blom of White River flying squad took top honours.
According to Tracker’s spokesman, Ms Nandi Canning, the nominees and recipients were selected based on strict criteria, including outstanding contribution in the area of vehicle-crime investigation, a number of recoveries and arrests, outstanding efforts in coordinating recovery actions and finally, outstanding contribution to the training of members.
Mpumalanga boasted 10 nominees in the individual category.
Read: Tracker Awards 2013
“Blom has been responsible for the recovery of more than 40 stolen or hijacked vehicles in the Lowveld area of Mpumalanga. Always willing to assist and often prepared to give of his own personal time, he is a true example of a committed team player,” Cunning said. “He will now represent Mpumalanga at the National Tracker Awards Ceremony which takes place on October 23 in Gauteng.”
In the unit category there were five nominations and the Lebombo Point of Entry, represented by Col Mike Mahlangu took first prize. Under the command of Col Mike Mahlangu this unit was responsible for more than 30 recoveries of stolen or hijacked vehicles.
Tracker’s operational services executive, Mr Ron Knott-Craig, thanked the police for their work, but reiterated that the level of crime cannot be brought down by police alone.
“If we are truly to turn the tide on crime, we need holistic action. From members of the public, the media, community forums, reservists, big business, private security companies and government – we need to come together in new and meaningful ways,” said Knott-Craig.
