The provincial commissioner of police, Gen Simon Mpembe, honoured police officers serving within the Makhado SAPS cluster during an event that was held at the Makhado Correctional Centre a fortnight ago.

This comes after the Makhado cluster has demonstrated “tireless dedication towards the department” through exceptional arrests and breakthroughs in some hard cases, said Gen Mpembe.

“I am affixing my signature on all these certificates for your outstanding service and you must know by now that my signature is expensive,” said Mpembe. “I don't just sign anything; I am in fact reminding you of the vision of the SAPS: It is to ensure safety and security within society.”

He further told the police that they should always consider all criminals as enemies of society. “You must eliminate criminals out of the community and place them in custody,” he ordered.

In honouring the Makhado SAPS cluster, which encompasses police stations such as Mphephu, Mara, Tshitale, Waterval, Tshilwavhusiku, Levubu and Waterpoort, Mpembe said it was very painful and uninspiring to work under a commander who showed neither appreciation nor acknowledgment for the work of a dedicated and hardworking official.

He then made an honorary mention of the three police officials from the Tshilwavhusiku police station for their breakthrough in arresting four suspects who were terrorising the Vhembe district by stealing plasma television sets and ferrying these to Zimbabwe. Two of the officials are D/Const Lawrence Manngo and D/Const Nkhangweni Mulaudzi.

“The journey has begun. I urge you to continue glorifying God by creating a crime-free country. Never let your good work be spoilt by corruption. Never accept bribes from criminals. You have already started changing the face of Limpopo for the better,” he said.

Shortly before the event of the day, the commissioner paid a surprise visit to the Waterval police station to monitor the officials' daily activities. “They have got the challenge of a lack of vehicles, just like the Makhado police station,” he said and promised to look into the problem.