Officer Masoga clinches prestigious JMPD award
01-12-2014
Hard-working 37-year-old Ndivhuho Masoga is the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s 2014 Officer of the Year.
Masoga, who is stationed in the City’s Region E, was named the winner of the prestigious award at a glittering ceremony held at the Red Farm in Olifantsvlei, Eikenhof, on Saturday night.
Masoga was recognised for her excellent ability to work as an individual and as part of a collective, making numerous arrests, ability to compile quality accident reports and willingness to work awkward hours, sometimes at short notice. Her trustworthiness also counted in her favour.
The Best Crime Prevention Team award was won by Region C in recognition of its high-profile arrests, working awkward hours – sometimes in dangerous situations – and team spirit.
The team made 81 arrests so far this year. About 47 of these were linked to drugs with a street value of more than R1,1 million, 28 were in relation to stolen firearms and six involved high-profile hijacking syndicates, which led to the recovery of goods worth more than R50 million.
Region A was named the Best Performing Region.
Speaking at the function, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety Councillor Sello Lemao said all these officers’ good work could not go unnoticed.
“We are here to support you and show you how much we appreciate you. We are with you and appreciate the fact that you are not going on holiday this festive season in order to keep the city safe,” said Cllr Lemao said.
He urged the officers to play a role in the 16 Days of No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
All the seven regions of the JMPD were well represented at the awards ceremony.
Masoga, who joined the JMPD in 2006, was in KwaZulu-Natal attending the funeral of a colleague when she was named the recipient of the top award.
“I’m speechless,” Masoga said after she heard the news.
“I’m very excited and surprised at the same time because never in my wildest of dreams have I even imagined myself winning the award,” she said.
She thanked her colleague and people who nominated her for the award.
Masoga first worked in the JMPD’s bylaw enforcement section before being deployed to Region E.
The Shottist of the Year award was won by Officer LJ Kesilwe of Region G. The Best Sergeant award went to WW Mrubata of Region C. Ignus Jona of Region E won the Best Superintendent award, while DP Mogwane walked away with the Best Regional Commander award.
Jona said his award served as a motivation. He said the recognition would help to raise the bar.
Officer Mothusi Leshomo could not contain his excitement after he was named the winner of the 2014 Driver of the Year award in recognition of his excellent driving skills, accident-free record and good knowledge of his geographical area.
Leshomo attributed his achievement to the support of his team.
“I did it for my team and the award also serves as an encouragement. I love my job,” he said.
Officer Azwindini Kutama, 37, who topped the category of highest arrests, said he was happy to be recognised.
“As a young officer I see the award as an encouragement. I’d also like to encourage my colleagues to do likewise and always remember that we’ve taken an oath to protect and serve our communities,” Kutama said.
JMPD spokesman Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said the awards were aimed at boosting morale.
“This will help in the reduction of crime, accidents and deaths so that the community can feel safe as officers will be encouraged to perform their duties to the best of their abilities,” Superintendent Minnaar said.