WATCH: Fighting crime with passion

Umhlali SAPS station commander, Colonel Khethiwe Makhathini thanked captain Vinny Pillay of Umhlali SAPS for being a sterling example to his colleagues and putting the station on the map for all the right reasons.

Still recovering from the excitement of being named the winner of the Integrity Idol award in Cape Town two weeks ago, Vinny Pillay’s colleagues treated him with celebrity status – organising not one, but two surprise parties for their colleague.

The mastermind behind the events was Captain Pillay’s partner in solving crime Shaleen Ramlakan, who said this was the ideal opportunity to give Pillay the recognition he deserved.

Also read: Umhlali cop dubbed SA’s first Integrity Idol 

“We surprised him with a cake at the station and lunch at Mozambik restaurant where we invited the station commander and the cluster brigadier. Vinny works hard in driving social crime prevention, he encourages teamwork and he is always there when people need help. Even if it his day off, he is always checking up on the station and will leave whatever he is doing if there is a problem.”

Integrity Idol is a global campaign to recognise and reward honest and outstanding government officials.

Pillay made it to the top five, out of 4000 nominees civil servants, before winning the competition.

Colonel Makhathini said she hoped Pillay will soon move up in his ranking due to his hard work and dedication.

“He is a selfless man and he deserved the award. He showed there are some police officers who genuinly care. This job is about passion and that is what Vinny has.”

Captain Pillay thanked the community for their votes and vowed to continue to do his best to fight crime.

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