Picture: The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Numerous police officers across the North West have been awarded medals for their loyalties within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The ceremony was held at the SAPS Provincial Head Office in Potchefstroom on Friday.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Sello Kwena, said amongst the medal recipients, eight members received their 40-year loyal service medals and others were handed 30- and 20-year loyal service medals. Kwena said, it is the responsibility of police management to recognise good work and to boost the morale of members, taking into consideration the difficult situation under which police officials work. He also encouraged those police officials, who were on parade for the last time and who are going on retirement.
“You dedicated your life to serving the community with pride and were a valuable member of the police, the family of men and women in blue. Thank you for protecting and serving the people of South Africa, especially in the North West.
“You completed such a fulfilling career in the police and you are indeed an example and inspiration to all young police officials. You are police officials that we honour and look up to. We would also like to applaud seven new members, who successfully completed the Tactical Response Team (TRT) course,” he said.
Kwena further said those who completed the course, have received their badges and berets. He added that Constable Berlia Bafana from Potchefstroom, was the only female out of 124 applicants, who successfully completed the TRT course.
“The police are committed to continue to work hard in order to make sure that community members in the province are protected, especially with the upcoming National General Elections (NGE),” said Kwena.
The Guardian 