Tshwane District police honoured
“Having a medal conferred on you at a parade is one of the greatest honours.”
Tshwane district police honoured more than 85 of their members for serving with dedication, professionalism and integrity for a long time.
The parade was held on Friday at the Pretoria Technical High School Sports Ground in Sunnyside, Pretoria.
It saw men and women in blue being awarded medals in three categories including the 10, 20 and 30 years service medals.
“Having a medal conferred on you at a parade is one of the greatest honours,” police spokesperson Captain Daniel Mavimbela said.
He said the exercise served as a platform to promote and preserve the culture of the police, which upholds high service standards and professionalism, among others.
Tshwane district police Chaplain Jonas Masotla said it was important to note that the police in the district were honouring members who had served for 10 years, 20 years and three decades, citing that those honoured were the lucky ones as many had not made it this far.
“There are many who were with them in the police college and there are many who were recruited to the police with them but today they are no longer with them in the police service for various reasons,” Chaplain Masotla said.
He said some had passed away and others were sick, among other reasons.
“Many of them are no longer in the service, many have been buried and many are sick but Lord you kept these ones, because of your grace,” he said, adding that the recipients of the medals should thank the man upstairs.
Pretoria Central Station Commander Brigadier Moses Dladla said he hoped the new recruits of the South African Police Service would look up to the recipients of the medals.
“I hope they will understand that there is a moment in which a special token of appreciation for the good work and loyal service is offered to deserving members,” he said.
The police awarded medals to all members displaying professionalism and dedication, he said.
Acting Tshwane District Commissioner Brigadier Kushi Pietersen said the police who work hard need to be acknowledged and appreciated in order to continue excelling in their job of fighting crime.
“Appreciating the good work that the people on the ground are doing to fight crime is important,” Brigadier Pietersen said, citing that this encouraged them to continue providing the best service to the community.
One of the recipients, Warrant Officer Mohlabi Mphahlele, said he was proud to receive the medal.
“I am honoured today because of being loyal to the police service for more than 20 years,” he said.
He encouraged fellow members to be loyal at all times as this brought good rewards.
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