PICS: Going beyond the call of duty!

POLICE Minister Bheki Cele called on the police to continue doing an excellent job.

Cele described the ninth SAPS National Excellence Awards 2024 as celebratory.

The Excellence Awards were held on Friday, 16 February at the Gallagher Estate in Midrand.

"Excellence is when you do your work wholeheartedly, even when no one is watching. Excellence is when you single-handedly save a woman, a child, an elderly person or a person with a disability," said Cele.

Members who serve the public and expect nothing in return were awarded.

"The police are doing a good job. We don't have a DNA backlog. It's about what you do as a police officer, not what people say to you. Police officers die young and leave children behind. We have a trust fund set up for that," he said.

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One of the police officers honoured at the event was Sergeant Keshi Mabunda. Cele said Keshi was nominated by Captain Mabunda for his good work and as one of the special people in the organisation.

Commissioner-General of Police, Fannie Masemola, said members receive regular training for the police service.

Bheki Cele with other dignitaries during the 9th SAPS National Excellence Awards in Midrand.

Deputy President of the South African Policing Union, Peter Ntsime, said, "Always allow us to recognise those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, who've endured challenges and understand the difficulties along the way. We believe leadership is about inspiring others to lead."

Thulani Ngwenya, President of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, said: "These awards are designed to recognise excellence, inspire others and promote the culture of continuous improvement in all areas of work."

Left: Bheki Cele, Brigadier Abel Mashampa and Captain Keshi Mabunda receiving an award of the minister.

Captain Cyril Chiya of the K9 Unit at Port Shepstone, Commander of the Medium Risk Employee of the Year for level 8-12, said: "I am very grateful for the awards, and they will encourage other members to work hard."

Captain Keshi Mabunda, who received the Minister's Special Award during the 9th SAPS National Excellence Awards in Midrand.

Detective Nkosingiphile Mathenjwa was honoured as Employee of the Year for Detective and Forensic Services at the 9th SAPS National Excellence Awards in Midrand.

Sergeant Nkosinathi Nhleko of the Mpumalanga Provincial Serial and Electronic Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Crimes said: "I never thought I'd win these awards and it's the first time I have been nominated."