Officers stationed at Stellenbosch Police Station swapped their blue uniforms for glamorous and smart outfits when station management hosted the Recognition of Appreciation Awards at Bontevlei Venue on Friday (1 December).
The awards function was held to honour the station’s brightest stars and recognise their hard work and dedication in fighting crime in the policing precinct.
Brigadier Sandile Sonjani, Stellenbosch police station commander, said it was the first time the ceremony was held since 2019.
“Today we celebrate the successes and good work of our members. We are telling our members that we appreciate their efforts and that their work does not go unnoticed.
“It is clear that our members understand the role that they need to play and that we are all in here for one common goal – to fight crime.”
He also acknowledged the police officers who died in the pandemic, saying the event is also being held to honour them and their dedication to the police service.
Apart from the service awards bestowed on officers, the highlight of the event was the awards given to the station’s Vispol Unit, with Sgt Jason Rhoda named Vispol Male Member and Sgt Vanessa Jefthas winning the award for the 2023 Vispol Female Member.
The event was also a farewell to Lt-Col Frederik Johannes le Roux, who is retiring from the police service after 41 years.
Stellenbosch police thanked sponsors for making the event possible. The sponsors were: Protea Hotel Technopark, Lanzerac Hotel, Middelvlei Wine Estate, Aaldering Vineyards, Sector 2 neighbourhood watch, Joubert Wines, Wolwedans Wine Farm, Summerhill Wines, Vredenheim Wine Estate, ABC Security, AM Security, Gino’s restaurant, EV Catering, Anna, Spier Wine Farm, Rayanaka, Seppie Konstabel and Allue Bluee Wine Estate.
