By OBAKENG MAJE
27 October 2026 – The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has congratulated Brigadier Adriaan Jacobus “Attie” Lamprecht (59), on receiving the Whistleblower Sherpa Support Award at Public Interest South Africa’s 2026 Whistleblower Awards. Held under the theme: “Honouring Courage. Inspiring Integrity,” the awards ceremony recognised Lamprecht and nominees from various sectors for their courage, integrity and outstanding contributions to the people of South Africa.
With 42 years of service in the SAPS, Lamprecht currently oversees several sections at national level, including Crime Stop, Harmful and Occult Crimes, and the Bureau for Missing Persons, which he established in 1994. For more than 30 years, he has headed the internationally recognised Crime Stop Call Centre, which can be reached on 08600 10111.
Masemola said the service enables members of the public to report information about criminal activities anonymously. He said Crime Stoppers International has previously recognised South Africa for its exceptional handling of anonymous tip-offs from members of the public.
“Since its establishment 34 years ago, Crime Stop has maintained a strong track record of protecting the identities of informants who provide information through the platform.
“Over the years, information received through Crime Stop has contributed to thousands of arrests and the seizure of illicit goods and other criminal assets worth hundreds of millions of rand,” said Masemola.
He further said Lamprecht also serves as a director of Crime Stoppers International, a global organisation committed to strengthening anonymous crime-reporting systems and supporting crime-prevention initiatives. Masemola added that he holds a PhD in Sociology and previously managed the Witness Protection Programme when it was administered by the SAPS.
“His experience further underscores his longstanding commitment to protecting individuals who assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.
“We commend Lamprecht for his decades of dedicated service and his significant contribution to strengthening public confidence in anonymous crime-reporting platforms,” he said.
Masemola said Lamprecht’s award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to protecting those who come forward with information to help fight crime. He said his work demonstrates the importance of safeguarding the identities of informants and ensuring that members of the public can contribute to the fight against crime without fear.
“The SAPS congratulates him on this well-deserved honour,” said Masemola.
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