Best officers are named

The first Metro Awards recognised the top Joburg metro police officers, with the chief of police landing the leader of the year award.
METRO police officers who go the extra mile in maintaining law and order in the city were honoured at Joburg’s first Metro Awards, which are expected to become an annual event.

JMPD Chief Chris Ngcobo receives a Glden Boot award from MMC Matshidiso MfikoeJMPD chief Chris Ngcobo receives a Golden Boot award from MMC Matshidiso MfikoeThe awards ceremony was held on the evening of Friday, 12 November at Gold Reef City Casino Conference Centre. Men and women of the Johannesburg metro police department (JMPD) turned out smartly to show their pride in a job well done.

Present to tap the shoulders of the top achievers was the member of the mayoral committee responsible for public safety, Matshidiso Mfikoe; accompanied by the chief of metro police, Chris Ngcobo; and the JMPD senior superintendent, Wayne Minnaar.

Among other dignitaries were the platoon commander of Joburg’s emergency management services, Mohammed Mahri; and the chief of the Ekurhuleni metro police, Hlula Msimang.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mfikoe said: “These awards are meant to honour those who continue to uphold the rule of law in spite of difficult circumstances. Tonight we also pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. These are brave men and women whom at all times ensured safety of the citizens. We owe their families gratitude.”

Mfikoe encouraged officers to serve with pride and continue to enforce the law. “We need to maintain the reputation of this institution by always respecting the values of the JMPD, so that we remain relevant to our community.”

Award
The room was filled with jubilant moments before Mfikoe and Ngcobo called the winners to the stage to collect their accolades. In all, 18 awards were handed out to officers, managers and administrators.

Thomas Thomas Baloyi is named the best arresting officerThulani Phiri had a bite of the cherry twice, scooping two awards – best pointsman of the year and best officer of the year.

Phiri, who has been with the JMPD for nine years, said that his love and passion for his job keep him going. “The love and respect for my job makes me the best of the best. I always perform to the best of my abilities.”

Another hard worker was Thomas Baloyi, who was named best arresting officer. Baloyi, a man who always has his handcuffs ready, prides himself on always upholding the rule of law by arresting offenders.

“I have realised that people turn to reduce JMPD officers to bribes and corruption. I have taken it upon myself to stand up for what is right. It is about time that people stop taking traffic metro officers for granted,” he said.

He was motivated by the recognition and urged all officers to continue enforcing the law. “It is the responsibility of every officer in uniform to ensure that they protect the reputation of the JMPD.”

Venda Mamabolo was named woman of the year. Mamabolo, who is responsible for monitoring operations and events, said: “I always go the extra mile in whatever duty that I am undertaking in the JMPD. Sometimes it’s hard and challenging, but I always keep my focus.”

Among other jobs that she has been performing since 2001, she organises road blocks and staff events. “These are the duties that require extra hours.”

Leader
When it was time for the main award of the night, the audience got to its feet in honour of Ngcobo, a man who is passionate about the JMPD. Ngcobo was named leader of the year. To his surprise, he was presented with a golden boot, from the pair he wore when he joined the metro police. The boot had been spray-painted gold.

The best woman of the year award went to Venda MamaboloThe best woman of the year award went to Venda Mamabolo“For the many years that I have spent in the JMPD, I never had an idea that one day I would be standing in front of so many excellent police officers to receive an award such as this one. I am humbled by this award, and this is only the beginning of greater things to come for the JMPD,” said Ngcobo.

The other winners were:

Best director – Sipho Dlepu
Best superintendent / head / manager – Mankgadi Maila
Best inspector / operations manager – Yalezwa Makana
Best sergeant / supervisor – Cathy du Plessis
Best representable employee – Elias Sedulawesi
Best sporting code – Netball
Best driver – Phillip Kgopa
Best secretary – Ntombi Sonai
Best data capturer – Faith Jacobs
Best ticket writing officer – Veronica Chanchane
Best unit section – Warrant Section
Best administrator – Boet Kotze
Best educator – Phindani Tebeila
Also on the evening, three learners from schools that participated in the public safety poster competition were named. The competition was launched a month ago during the Growth and Development Strategy outreach for GDS2040. They had to create a poster in line with the theme, A Just and Peaceful Johannesburg.

Tebogo Madomane, a 16-year-old from Forte High School in Dobsonville, came first with a giant poster reflecting how she visualises Johannesburg in 2040. The poster showed safe public parks guarded by security guards, people walking on the pavements, buses and taxis. Clinics, schools and hospitals were built next to homes.

In second place was Moise Masengo from Barnato Park High in Berea, who also impressed with his creativity. Dihlare Mahloko from Siyabonga Secondary School in Bram Fischerville came third.

All of them received certificates and trophies.

The Metro Awards are sponsored by Traffic Management Services, Indwe Brokers, Vodacom and Lion of Africa, among others.