Local police officers awarded for excellence

North West – In line with the South African Police Service (SAPS) reward strategy, the police held their sixth annual national excellence awards ceremony on Friday 25 January at Mbombela in Mpumalanga.

They acknowledge and award SAPS members throughout the country.
Five North West members walked away with top honours at the ceremony hosted by the minister of police Beki Cele, and the national commissioner general Kehla Sitole.

Brigadier Madelein Swart was the first North West winner in the category detective employee of the year (level 8-12). She is the provincial commander of the family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit and managed to achieve and exceed the targets during the 2018 financial year.
The second North West winner was constable Aaron Dlamini, awarded the FCS employee of the year (level 5-7) title. 

Thirdly, constable Aranoleng Mogapi was awarded as the national sportsman of the year. He is stationed at Ipelegeng Police Station and achieved a first position in the marathon championships held in the North West during 2018. 

Fourthly, constable Dipuo Matolon from Ikageng received the award for national women of the year. She conducted crime awareness campaigns on drug abuse, domestic violence and other crimes as part of SAPS’ school safety programmes.

These programmes reached more than 400 community members and 2 000 learners. Through sponsorships by Dunlop and Build it she ensured that two child daycare centres received fences. 

Lastly, brigadier Clifford Kgorane was awarded national senior operational manager of the year (level 13-15). In November 2018, he was awarded the provincial overall winner during the North West excellence awards and is the provincial head of organised crime in North West. 

The North West provincial commissioner lieutenant general Baile Motswenyane, on behalf of the management and members of SAPS in the province, congratulated all nominees, finalists and winners.

She said: “The achievements and recognition of these members must be seen as encouragement to fellow employees that hard work pays off.

Our men and women in blue will continue to sacrifice precious time with their families and loved ones to serve and protect the citizens of the country.”