Picture: Outstanding police officers honoured/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
12 November 2026 – Outstanding police officers and teams in the Frances Baard District have been recognised for their dedication, commitment and exceptional performance during the 2025/2026 financial year at the district’s inaugural Excellence Awards ceremony held in Kimberley. The prestigious event, hosted by Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari and her management team, took place at the Horseshoe Inn on 11 November 2026.
Makgari said the ceremony brought together senior police officials, station commanders, representatives of organised labour, community policing structures, sponsors and award recipients to celebrate excellence and acknowledge the contribution of dedicated members to policing and service delivery. She said the event was officiated by Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, accompanied by the Northern Cape Deputy Police Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and Northern Cape Deputy Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga.
“It is important to recognise an outstanding performance and acknowledge the dedication of police officers and teams who continue to serve their communities. Recognising excellence was essential in promoting professionalism, accountability and a culture of quality service within the police service.
“We would also like to acknowledge the 13 Station Commanders for their commitment and dedication as members of the district management team. Certificates of appreciation were presented to sponsors in recognition of their generous support, which contributed to the successful hosting of the inaugural awards ceremony,” said Makgari.
In a special gesture, she also presented a gift to Otola, who is expected to retire next year.
Otola said District Commissioners from across the province also attended. She other attendees included provincial heads, station and unit commanders from the Frances Baard District, representatives of the South African Policing Union (SAPU), the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), the Frances Baard District Community Policing Forum (CPF), sponsors and other stakeholders.
“The programme opened with a welcome address by Kimberley Station Commander Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, followed by messages of support from representatives of the CPF and organised labour. We urge police officers to uphold professionalism.
“We would also like to commend the Frances Baard District for taking the initiative to recognise and reward outstanding performance. We also encourage the police members to remain committed to the SAPS mandate, uphold high standards of discipline and integrity, and continue serving communities with dedication and professionalism,” she said.
Meanwhile, during the ceremony, deserving individuals and teams received certificates and trophies in recognition of their exceptional contributions and achievements during the financial year. The awards were made possible through contributions and support from various sponsors and partners.
