Ntsiepe Masoetsa
It was a night to remember as Free State police celebrated excellence among its members. Police officers, who stopped at nothing to ensure the safety of citizens, were honoured at a glittering event in Bloemfontein last Friday night. Free State provincial police commissioner, Khehla Sithole, says those honoured embody four key values in the police’s mission statement – passion, excellence and innovation in policing, service before self and perfomance driven. Members from across the province were rewarded in various categories. Eastern Free State police spokesperson Christopher Mophiring was among those honoured for selfless service in the support category. Members of Bloemfontein’s public order police were also rewarded.
MEC for police, roads and transport, Butana Komphela, praised the police for executing their duties in difficult times. Komphela also honoured those who died in the line of duty. He criticised those who organise illegal protest marches in which police are attacked. Komphela said in future community leaders who organise illegal protest marches would be held accountable for the consequences, if such marches end up in criminal activities. “Organised marches have to be peaceful and unarmed in accordance with the law,” he said.
