POTCHEFSTROOM – The North West Police celebrated National Police Day 2022, on Friday, 21 January 2022, with the theme: “The Role of Women in Policing” by hosting a Medal Parade and Gala Dinner in Potchefstroom.
During the Medal Parade, the MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Mr Sello Lehari and the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena conferred the South African Police Service (SAPS) Thirty Year Loyal Service Medals to 16 female police officers, who served for a period of at least thirty years, which need not to be continuous, and who has displayed an irreproachable character and exemplary conduct.
In the evening, a Gala Dinner was held at the Madiba Banquet Hall in Potchefstroom where women were awarded in various categories as follows:
Best Female Station Commander: Colonel Booyce of Madikwe SAPS
Best Female Detective Investigator: WO Dry of Ikageng Detectives
Best Female Detective Commander: Lt Col Moduenyane of Madikwe Detectives
Best Female VISPOL Commander: Lt Col Tube of Phokeng K9 Unit
Best Specialised Investigation Female Member: Sgt Rasego of the Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Best Female Support Services Member/Commander: Snr Admin Clerk Molefe of Bethanie SAPS
Best Female Game Changer / Community Builder: Sgt Moeng of Ganyesa SAPS
Best Female Member with Specialised and Scarce Skills: Capt Pilane of Rustenburg Mounted Unit
Special Recognition Award: Best Initiative for improving Station Environment, Displaying Creativity and Innovation:
- Lt Col Lelaka of Mmakau SAPS
- Retired WO H Marks of Mothotlung SAPS
Provincial Commissioner’s Nomination Award:
- Lt Col A Nthekang of Rustenburg SAPS, Shift Commander
- Snr Admin Clerk A Venter of Huhudi MIC
Dr Thato Mosehle, a Medical Doctor, former Miss SA 1st runner-up and a daughter to a police officer, Lt Col Mosehle, motivated predominantly women attendees. Among others, she said: “Explore the environment in pursuit of your dream. We are stronger together.”
Both Events were supported by the MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Mr Sello Lehari and Cllr Mkhabela, the MMC for Public Safety in the JB Marks Local Municipality. The MEC motivated all women in SAPS by saying that great achievement in life is not everything, the most important thing is to be happy. “More and more women are continuing to change the mind set as they fight not only inequality, but also are crime fighters. The task of the police is to serve and protect the communities, the community in turn, should protect the community by not giving refuge to criminals. Attacks on police, is an attack on society. We can do more together and together we must fight Gender Based Violence. We salute women in blue;” he said.
During his speech Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked the MEC for his ongoing support, Old Mutual Insurance, events organizing team and everyone who ensured that both events are successful. He also thanked all police officers for their role in the fight against crime.
Source: South African Police Service