Durban — The third time lucky KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Excellence Woman of the Year awards winner Captain Cheryl Pillay said that as a policewoman her life has been placed in danger many times.
Speaking to Daily News, Pillay said she has been with the SAPS for 32 long years.
“Police officers are very special people, who I believe have a mandate from God.
“I always refer to our work to the ‘angels in blue’, who work within the perimeter walls of all police stations.
“I feel overwhelmed and truly appreciative of the kind gesture bestowed upon me by the KZN Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Mkhwanazi.
“To receive this prestigious award would not have been possible without the support of my family, who are always my pillar of strength.
“The support structure from the station management as well as the personnel has contributed positively towards this prestigious award.”
“I grew up from humble beginnings, which I have carried with me. I always endeavour to serve with excellence as this is what is always expected of us.
“I am a disciplined officer who always abides by the Code of Conduct, which is the ethos of my heart.
“Through my office I engage with various stakeholders to assist in community outreach programmes for the indigent.
“If each of us can use this platform to bring relief to the needy, we will be able to change the world on a new trajectory… one of hope and love.
“My advice to the other women in the police force is: be an ambassador, choose faith over fear, choose courage over comfort.
“Education is the greatest tool one can have.
“There are skilled women in SAPS, you have the power of influence, and rule your domain.
“In every community there are wounds to heal, in every heart there is the power to do it.
“Stay true to your calling as police officers. God always rewards those who diligently work to serve others,” Capt Pillay ended.
Policeman of the year
The policeman of the year award was snatched by Umhlali K9 Search and Rescue’s WO Clinton Odayar.
Speaking to the Daily News on Thursday morning, Odayar said his achievement is through pure dedication and passion that he has for serving society through his hard police work.
“Good work is always rewarded, as a result we always have to do our best in whatever we do, and always maintain consistency.
“Giving my work total dedication pays.”
Odayar was still a police Sergeant when he won his award on Wednesday night, but came Thursday morning he said he was surprised to get a call from his superiors telling him that he had just been promoted to Warrant Officer position… of which he attributes to “hard work and total dedication”, as he put it.
He further added, “Everybody both at home and at work is totally blown away by this achievement… although this award is not the first time I have been awarded for the hard work I do to serve my community,” Odayar enthusiastically said.
Best KZN SAPS detective award
The KZN Provincial Detectives Organised Crime was deservedly awarded to Col Bhekinkosi Ntshangase for his sterling work he has done arresting and making sure that the criminals who do heinous crimes to society get hefty sentences.
Col Ntshangase narrated a story of a crime in which six people were murdered in Emgodini area, Plessislaer, Pietermaritzburg… of which four were first shot in part of the area, and then around 15 minutes later another one person was shot, then again another 15 minutes later another was gunned down at another part of the same community… totalling 6 members of the same community gunned down in one day.
“That was such a difficult case to break, but through persistence, resolve and dedication to put those criminals behind bars, and thus save the community of Emgodini… I soldiered on until the three murderers were tried, convicted and given hefty jail sentences that they deserved.
Ntshangase continued to say the first one was given five life sentences, and the other two four life sentences each… totalling 13 life sentences all three.
“Through that hard work, we gradually began to win the community's trust back.
“Throughout the trial, I consistently fought against the suspects not to get bail,” Ntshangase added.
He further said it always worry him to constantly learn about the rampant murders taking place around the country… adding that he wished that all these criminals could be ‘cleaned out’ and be put behind bars.
Daily News