Local police honoured at Prestige Awards 2025

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GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route District celebrated the SAPS Prestige Awards 2025 with pride and excitement at the George Methodist Family Church on Wednesday 5 November.

The Garden Route District Commissioner, Major General Phumzile Cetyana, recognised members who went beyond the call of duty in serving their communities over the past year.

The venue was beautifully prepared, and talented SAPS musicians entertained guests with heartfelt piano and vocal performances.

Among those in attendance were members of district police management, station and unit commanders, police officials, administrative personnel and community police forum leaders, representing 21 police stations across the district.

Police Station of the Year: Great Brak River

The programme began with a heartfelt devotion led by Chaplain Captain Rosetta Bhana, followed by a welcoming address from Brigadier Zuluthando Nosilela, the station commander of George. Warrant Officer Ebraim Kapp, who served as programme director, encouraged members to celebrate their achievements and continue striving for excellence.

Rupert Pretorius (George CPF), Patrick Blaauw (District Community Police Board), Major General Phumzile Cetyana (District Commissioner), Brigadier Belinda Pather (Garden Route District Deputy District Commissioner), Brigadier Zuluthando Nosilela (Station Commander George) and Colonel Yolisa Msikinya (Oudtshoorn SAPS).

Patrick Blaauw of the District Community Police Board commended the district as one of the best in the province, highlighting dedication, accountability, and visionary leadership as the keys to success. He urged members to look after their safety, stay true to their values, and continue supporting one another through faith and teamwork.

Man of the Year: Warrant Officer Jan Combrinck of Oudtshoorn

Thereafter, nominees in the various categories were announced, and the winners of the awards were as follows:

Administration

Administration employee (level 5 - 7): Remano Floors - George
Administration employee (level 8 - 12): Nogcina Khohliwe - Da Gamaskop
Administration team: Lieutenant Colonel Sharon Coetzee and Warrant Officer Irene du Plooy - George

Administration Team: Lieutenant Colonel Sharon Coetzee and Warrant Officer Irene du Plooy - George

Visible policing and operations

Vispol and Operations employee (level 5 - 7): Sergeant Lebogang Makoloi - Thembalethu
Vispol and Operations employee (level 8 - 12): Captain Morne Heunis - Garden Route District Vispol
Vispol and Operations team: Knysna SAPS Crime Prevention Unit

Vispol and Operations employee (level 8 - 12): Captain Morne Heunis - Garden Route District Vispol

Detectives

Detective and Forensic employee (level 5 - 7): Sergeant Thurston Amsterdam - Mossel Bay
Detective and Forensic employee (level 8 - 12): Lieutenant Colonel Maria Gerber - Da Gamaskop
Detective and Forensic Team of the Year: Da Gamaskop Detectives

Detective and Forensic Team of the Year: Da Gamaskop Detectives

Special awards

Police Station of the Year: Great Brak River
Woman of the Year: Constable Mona Slingers - Thembalethu
Man of the Year: Warrant Officer Jan Combrinck - Oudtshoorn
Sportsman of the Year: Captain Deon Floris
Sportswoman of the Year: Captain Jo-Ann Meyer - Mossel Bay
Reservist of the Year: Reservist Constable Nico Luiters - Pacaltsdorp
Employee with Disability of the Year: Constable Jürgen van Staden - Mossel Bay
Community Police Forum of the Year: George Community Police Forum
Catch of the Year: Captain Carel Cornelius and Sergeant Elwynand Karelse - Da Gamaskop

Community Police Forum of the Year: George Community Police Forum - received by chairperson Rupert Pretorius

Cetyana congratulated all winners and commended every member recognised for their commitment to excellence. He expressed sincere appreciation to the entire SAPS team for their dedication in combating crime and for the professional service they render to the public. He also acknowledged the vital contribution of administrative staff whose steadfast support strengthens the work of frontline and operational teams.

Sportsman of the Year: Captain Deon Floris