Warrant Officer Sabelo Xaba of the Umlazi K9 Unit, fourth from right, received the Provincial Commissioner’s Special Award for his innovative creation of a Provincial Crime Prevention WhatsApp Group. This initiative has led to the recovery of hijacked vehicles, arrests of suspects, and improved response times for law enforcement agencies.
The KwaZulu-Natal Excellence Awards, held at the Durban International Convention Centre, celebrated the dedication and hard work of over 60 employees who have gone above and beyond their duties in serving the community.
Police officers and support staff members were recognised in various categories based on their ranks within the South African Police Service.
Sundumbili Police Station emerged as a shining example, winning the Best Station of the Year Award for their exceptional service to the community. This accolade is given to police stations that meet stringent requirements, including crime rates and inspections. Point Police Station was also recognised, securing the Visible Policing and Operations Team of the Year Award, surpassing SAPS Newcastle and SAPS Empangeni.
Brigadier Vela Cele, Detective Commander at the eThekwini District, was awarded the Senior Manager of the Year Award for his leadership in solving high-profile cases and bringing suspects to justice. Sergeant Msizi Mkhize of the Mountain Rise police station received the Detective and Forensic Employee of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions.
Warrant Officer Sabelo Xaba of the Umlazi K9 Unit received the Provincial Commissioner's Special Award for his innovative creation of a Provincial Crime Prevention WhatsApp Group. This initiative has led to the recovery of hijacked vehicles, arrests of suspects, and improved response times for law enforcement agencies.
The Woman of the Year Award was presented to Constable Mbalenhle Msomi from the Mpumalanga Police Station, while Reservist Constable Wonderboy Nkosi from Hluhluwe Police Station earned the Reservist of the Year Award. The Community Policing Forum of the Year Award was bestowed upon Mazizi Katamzi, who served as the chairperson of the Colenso Policing Forum.
The awards ceremony highlighted the exceptional efforts of individuals and teams within the South African Police Service, but also acknowledged the challenges faced by the police during the 2022/2023 financial year, including their response to devastating floods that struck KwaZulu-Natal. Tragically, Sergeant Busisiwe Mjwara and K9 Leah lost their lives during a search and rescue mission. Despite these difficulties, the police demonstrated resilience and successfully addressed the challenges posed by the floods.
In the fight against drugs, the Provincial Drugs and Firearms team seized drugs worth over R7 million in Umhlanga Ridge and uncovered a clandestine drug laboratory in Ngudwini. Constable Siphephelo Zondi's bravery in a high-speed pursuit resulted in the apprehension of suspects involved in violent crimes.
The awards ceremony underscored the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding the community, particularly in a province with a high tourism profile like KwaZulu-Natal and Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi urged officers to uphold their duty and to continue the fight against crime.
“Fellow officers, I know that you do not go out there to work for awards or any form of a reward. You have answered to a sacrificial call of service, a noble profession of community safety which, if well executed, provides harmony amongst communities,” he said.
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi said that because KZN was a tourist attraction, “the eyes of the world the world will always be glued on what efforts we put upfront to safeguard residents and tourists alike”.
“Let us not lower our guards. A crime that happens in this province is more likely to grab international headlines than in most provinces,” he said.
Urging officers to guard against ill-discipline, he said the bar was raised.
“A disclaimer that I need to put to all the nominees and eventual winners is that we are not awarding you so that you become big-headed and ill-disciplined. As we show our appreciation to your achievement, we are encouraging you to work even harder. The bar has been raised, new standards have been set and we expect nothing less going forward.
“Police cannot be bossed around by criminals, communities cannot live in fear when we are entrusted with their safety and security. We cannot afford to have a province where criminals run riot and torment law-abiding citizens. We are the beacon of hope for the communities and we have to enforce the law, maintain peace, order and stability,” he said.