The office of the Vhembe SAPS Area Commissioner is highly impressed by the achievements and hard work displayed by a police station in the deep remote rural area of Ha-Makuya, which defied all odds to become a shining example of what self-reliance is all about.

In the recent monthly SAPS performance charts, Makuya SAPS, under the leadership of a female, Captain Hangwani Khabubu, was announced the best overall station among the 20 police station in the Vhembe District. They were also positioned No 2 in the Detective Services and finally ranked third in Crime Prevention. More interestingly, Capt Khabubu was only appointed to lead the station four months ago. All these and other achievements were celebrated at a glittering ceremony held at the station on Wednesday last week.

On behalf of the Vhembe Area Commissioner who could not make it to the function, due to other official commitments, Supt Johannes Snyders congratulated the entire family of the Makuya SAPS for their integrated approach in combating crime. He said the office of the Vhembe Area Commissioner is proud of the good work of the station because it displayed commitment and nation building. "We are here to share your gladness and all your achievements. We have really witnessed that you are playing a vital role in promoting the safety of our communities. The Area Commissioner’s office heartily congratulates you for coming out tops, despite your rural location and limited resources."

Snyders congratulated the Station Commissioner, Capt Hangwani Khabubu, for leading an exemplary breed of winners. "She has displayed exceptional leadership skills and we believe she will take the station very far. However, I would also like to thank all the staff members and different stakeholders who supported her through thick and thin."

During the function, Capt Khabubu thanked everyone who sacrificed their time and energy for the development of the Makuya SAPS. She says it would have been impossible for her to achieve all her objectives without the assistance of co-workers whom she regards as her pillars. "Our strategy for success is based on unity, team work and hard work. We trust one another and every one of us works as if there will be no tomorrow. My deepest gratitude goes to Provincial Commissioner Calvin Sengani, Area Commissioner Joseph Maepa, Director Ngobeni and the entire Management of Vhembe Area Office. I will never forget to mention staff members of the Makuya SAPS because I wouldn’t have achieved all this without them."

Magistrate Jonathan Rapudi, who travels to try cases at Makuya SAPS Periodical Court once a week, saluted the station commissioner and her staff for their dedication in crime prevention. "We usually come here and try only one case and this clearly indicates that their crime prevention strategy is working. They are doing a wonderful job and I urge the community and different stakeholders to support them."