Best cops in Limpopo

Col. Lucas Mogwaneng from Mokopane was named Cluster Commander of the Year at the South African Police Service’s first Limpopo Prestige Awards presented at the Peter Mokaba Executive Lounge Saturday Evening.
The Mokopane Cluster was also crowned as the top performing cluster in Limpopo. The cluster is made up of the seven police stations of Mokopane, Mahwelereng, Allenskraal, Gilead, Tin Mines, Zebediela and Magatle.
Captain Leah Mapholodela of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit received the award for being second best FCS unit in the province. This is due to the unit’s high conviction rate.
Lt. Col. Isaack Mantjane received the award as station commander of Mokopane for being the third best police station out of the 94 stations in the province.
This was the first year the Limpopo Prestige Awards were presented. It is an initiative by the provincial police commissioner to reward good performing units, stations and individuals for their hard work.
Col. Mogwaneng, who has been acting station commander for the Mokopane cluster since May says the police in this cluster have managed to reduce the level of contact crime by 25% while the incidence of property crime was reduced by 27,23% in the last seven months. “Over the past couple of months we have been working on eradicating the town’s drug trade. This was our biggest problem, and while it is somewhat subdued now, we will not rest until it is eradicated,” Mogwaneng said.
Together with Lt.Col. Mantjane he assured the public that the police will not be resting this festive season. “We are ready to take care of your safety and the security of your homes and businesses while you are on holiday,” he said.
He reminded residents of the empty house register kept by the police. People can report that they will be away on leave between certain dates at the police station and the police will then add their addresses to their patrol routes.
He also urged people to be sensible during the festive season. “Don’t carry huge amounts of cash, don’t leave valuables in your car, ladies should go in groups if they go out at night, don’t drink and drive and when you use a remote to lock your car, make sure it actually locks before you leave it in the parking area.”
Mogwaneng urged the public to report any suspicious persons or behaviour at the toll free number: 08600 10111 or 112.
He concluded thanking the community for their cooperation during the course of the year. He complimented private security companies for their hard work, saying the police appreciates what they do.