Good cops, great cops

Eric Ndou, Michael Khorombi and Hetekani Mabudza.

These are some of the convicted serial rapists put behind bars by a team of Limpopo-based detectives over the past year.

One-hundred-and-seventy-three. That is the number of arrests made by Constable Sandie Ubisi for crimes.

Ubisi of Mpumalanga and a team of detectives were among major winners at the first annual SA Police Service National Excellence Awards held at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria last night.

"When I joined the force, crime was on the increase and I wanted to do more for society. This award means a lot to me - that I'm recognised and appreciated," he said.

Ubisi was named "member of the month" at his police station for eight months in a row last year.

He said it took commitment, discipline, dedication and heeding guidance given by his superiors to be an exemplary policeman.

The purpose of the event was to reward members of all levels, including reservists, who went beyond the call of duty.

Officers were recognised in categories ranging from operation to administration, crime intelligence, disability, sports, including community policing forums.

Awards were divided according to three salary levels. National police commissioner General Riah Phiyega applauded the men and women in blue, and thanked them for their "selfless" acts.

Said Phiyega: "Thank you for a sterling frontline service at police stations, for detective work which ensured perpetrators are behind bars," she said.

The "best police station of the year" award was presented to Thabong police station in Welkom, Free State.

Detective constable Lusanda Nkatazo of Eastern Cape received the "detective employee of the year" award.

Nkatazo has been a detective for seven years. He spent many hours after work tracing suspects linked to the gruesome murder of a 67-year-old grandmother in Mdantsane, East London.

He also secured the convictions of five suspects who robbed, stabbed and killed a security guard in July.

"It's an honour to be a policeman and getting an opportunity to keep the nation safe. This award just motivates me to do more and work harder," he said.