Picture: The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, Brigadier Anre Wagner and North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
20 October 2024- In a quest to salute and acknowledge hard working police officers in the North West, the SAPS held its 12th Annual Service Excellence Awards at the Elgro Hotel in Potchefstroom on Friday.
Numerous police officers and employees were honoured in more than 40 categories for their excellent performance. Furthermore, 20 retirees were also celebrated for their faithful service.
Brigadier Anre Wagner received the award for Senior Administration Manager of the Year. Wagner is the Section Head at Legal Services and responsible for legal support to operational functions in the North West. His primary responsibility is rendering of legal support in respect of the prevention, combatting and investigation of crimes.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Wagner is also a work class Archer, who was selected as Protea archer for the World Field Archery Championships (WFAC 2024), and currently holds seven South African records and three African records in Archery.
“The Senior Operational Manager for Policing award was scooped by Brig Ntoagae, who is the Bojanala Sub-District 2 (Rustenburg) acting Commissioner. She had an overall decrease in the total of reported cases in the district, indicating effective crime management and implementation of strategies. Ntoagae made a significant impact in stabilizing serious and violent crimes.
“Boitekong Police Station was awarded the Station of the Year award. The station personnel worked together to achieve the common goal of fighting property related crimes and crimes dependent on police action,” she said.
Myburgh further said the station got a performance rating of 5 – the highest rating. She added that the new strategies were implemented to successfully complete tasks.
“Sergeant EM Morakabi received the Woman of the Year award. Morakabi excelled in her day-to-day duties, initiated and implemented projects and conducted evaluations on community policing.
“She went beyond the call of duty by conducting 33 social crime prevention awareness activities in Jouberton Township in Klerksdorp in conjunction with other stakeholders,” said Myburgh.
She said Captain Sam Tselanyane, received the Man of the Year award. Myburgh said Tselanyane managed the Communication Nodal Point, excellently performed media standby duties and for the review period released 75 media statements, conducted 48 radio interviews and communicated in several languages.
“He actively participated in and supported public education and exhibitions. Tselanyane is elected as the Deputy Chairperson of the Provincial Employment Equity Forum, Public Relations Officer for Men for Change and POLMUSCA.
“Reservist Constable SR Makabe from Mahikeng received a Reservist of the Year award. He worked 489 hours per year, which is three times more than what is expected of him without payment,” she said.
Myburgh said Makabe arrested 41 suspects, recovered three stolen firearms and 11 cellular phones, cash and other stolen property. She said Sgt KG Mosiatlhaga received the Sport Man of the Year award.
“He participated and did extremely well in four different races that included the 50km Klerksdorp Ultra Marathon, the Comrades Marathon and Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, where he received silver medals.
“In February 2024, he participated in the Ottosdal Night Race, wherein he won a gold medal. The award for a Person with Disability of the Year, went to Sergeant Mammie Tselanyane,” said Myburgh.
The Guardian 