Outstanding crime-fighter recognised

SERGEANT Thabane Mofokeng of the Port Shepstone K9 Unit has been recognised as an outstanding crime fighter.

At the SAPS’ 2014 National Excellence Awards held in Pretoria recently, Sgt Mofokeng received the special National Commissioner’s Award as a result of a letter sent to the provincial commissioner’s office by Quentin Green.

This followed a housebreaking case in Trafalgar, whereafter Mr Green commended Sgt Mofokeng for his outstanding service and dedication to his job.

When Mr Green’s holiday house was burgled on June 29, 2013, two laptops, an iPad and confidential documents were stolen.

Sgt Mofokeng joined Mr Green in his private car at the Weza turn-off, so as not to alert the suspects that the police were looking for them.

While tracking his iPad by means of an application on his iPhone, Mr Green realised that the iPad was on its way to rural KwaNzimakwe.

At around 10pm they tracked the signal of the iPad to a tavern.

Sgt Mofokeng called for back-up and the suspects were arrested. They subsequently pointed out a house where the rest of the stolen property was being hidden.

However, when they arrived at Margate Police Station at midnight, Mr Green discovered that the confidential documents were missing.

Sgt Mofokeng questioned the suspect and was informed that the documents had been thrown away near a lagoon in Mpenjati.

Sgt Mofokeng booked out the suspect from the holding cell and together they proceeded to the spot where the documents had been thrown away and recovered them.

A grateful Mr Green lauded Sgt Mofokeng for his patience and hard work. “He displayed an outstanding dedication to his duty, despite being aware of the imminent danger that the situation posed,” said Mr Green.

On receiving the award, Sgt Mofokeng said that although his line of work does not allow him to get carried away with emotions, he was ecstatic. “I am very honoured and I will always try to give my best to the SAPS and the community!”