The Thohoyandou police station, which was rated as one of the worst-performing police stations in Limpopo not long ago, has turned the tide and has become the province’s shining star.

The station won the provincial competition and received the provincial commissioner’s floating trophy.

The Thohoyandou station commissioner, Brig Mbhazima Marungane, said they peformed well because of the unity that exists between the police, the community and other stakeholders. “Things were not that good and, after identifying our challenges, we worked on them for positive results. The award did not come as a surprise as we had worked very hard. We mobilized our communities, embarked on crime-awareness campaigns, worked hand in hand with our sector departments, did door-to-door campaigns and held meetings with our traditional leaders. It was a collective effort that made us shine above the rest,” he said.

Marungane said inasmuch as they were celebrating the award, it posed a very big challenge as they had to maintain and improve the standard. Crimes that are giving them problems in the area are assault, robbery, housebreaking and theft.

“We are also receiving reports of another crime, piracy, which is robbing our artists of their livelihood. We have dispatched our men all over town and whoever is found selling pirated CDs and DVDs will be arrested and face the full might of the law,” he said.

Thohoyandou police station CPF chairperson Mr Ntshengedzeni Netshiombo was also excited about the award. “We are very happy about the turn of events. It did not come easily as we had to work very hard and we finally made a turnaround at our station. We will, together with our other stakeholders, roll up our sleeves and work to improve where we are now,” he said.