North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa on Thursday expressed gratitude to Rustenburg businessman, Elias Koketso Mongale (43) for safeguarding 15 firearms, cash and other belongings of injured police reservists at an accident scene.
“Crime would not be an issue in our communities if we had more people like Mongale, a model law abiding citizen,” Yawa told the parade for the handover of medals to members of the South African Police Service held at the Old Molopo Area Parade Ground commonly known as TTA.
Four police reservists had died at the scene of the accident and eleven others were seriously injured after the minibus they were travelling in overturned near Tlhabane. They were rushing to a parade to report for duty during the FIFA Confederation Cup.
Mongale received a certificate of commendation and a R5 000 cash award in recognition of his patriotic duty from the National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele. MEC Yawa presented 20 year and 10 year long service medals to 72 policemen and women at the medals awards ceremony. Among those who were awarded certificates of commendation from the National Commissioner for their commitment and dedication and R10 000 cash awards were Detective Captain Loago Modise from Rustenburg and Warrant Officer Sefora from Ikageng.
Captain Modise was recognised for her arrest of a suspect and subsequent conviction to an effective 18 years imprisonment for the repeated rape and abuse of his daughter while Warrant Officer Sefora for the arrest and conviction and imprisonment of suspects for several murder cases, arson, kidnapping, housebreaking and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Members of a task teams from Klerksdorp. Ex Colonel Venter, Warrant Officers Mokaleng and Moahloli received recognition for arresting suspects for housebreaking and theft and recovering stolen cash.
The task team from Mahikeng, Colonel Dince, Lieutenant Colonel Thekoeng, Captain Tanke, Warrants Officer Mothoagae, Letlonkane, Mokoka and Sergeant Tlhagiso received recognition for arresting suspects for various cases of theft of cattle and recovered several cattle.
In congratulating the recipients of the medals for their loyal service, MEC Yawa said that they should wear the medals received with pride and dignity.
“We are proud of your achievements, courage and patriotism and salute you for your selflessness, loyalty and sacrifices. We are confident that with the dedication of men and women of your calibre, victory is certain, we are going to win the war against crime and host the best ever Football World Cup in a safe and secure environment,” added Yawa.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Safety, North West Provincial Government
22 April 2010
