Leading SA insurer and top broker recognise JHB leading metro police personnel

The country’s first Annual Metro Police Awards, co-sponsored by Lion of Africa Insurance and Indwe Risk Services, were recently held at the Gold Reef City Casino Hotel and Convention Centre during November. At the event, Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) top personnel were presented with awards for their excellent performance and contribution towards crime prevention, law and traffic enforcement.

According to Adam Samie, CEO of Lion of Africa Insurance, the co-sponsors of the event with Indwe Risk Services, the awards recognise key individuals within the JMPD for their outstanding achievements in crime prevention.

“We are proud to be a key partner in the launch of this inaugural event, which awards the JMPD’s office-based staff for their vital behind-the-scenes support, as well as field officers for their involvement in trying to make the Johannesburg metropolitan a better city for its residents.”

Ndifelani Tharaga, Branch Manager: Johannesburg, Indwe Risk Services, says: “It is a great privilege to be associated with an evening such as this one which recognises the contribution of JMPD officers and officials in managing the traffic and road use risk of the City of Joburg. Looking at the alarming road accident toll in South Africa, it is clear to see that members of the JMPD face a challenge which is beyond the norm experienced by many other countries around the World. The JMPD faces the difficult task of managing both in and around our streets and highways.

Indwe Risk Services as leaders in the fields of insurance and risk management broking and particularly in the Automotive and Transportation Sector take great pride in the fact we are service providers to the City of Joburg”.

Samie says the awards ceremony sets a precedent by making Johannesburg the first metropolitan in the country to initiate a programme that recognises rewards and motivates local law enforcement personnel, with the goal of reducing the area’s crime rate.

The dinner ceremony hosted 300 delegates, included Chiefs of Metro Police from a variety of municipalities across Gauteng province, business leaders, local celebrities, police staff and members of the press. JMPD’s Chief of Police, Mr Chris Ngcobo presented the category winners with an engraved award figurine and certificate, courtesy of Lion of Africa Insurance.

A total of 18 awards were handed out on the night, culminating in the overall award for Best Officer of the Year and Best Woman of the Year, awarded to Mr T O Phiri and Ms E Lekoane for their outstanding achievements respectively.

Mr Wayne Minaar, JMPD’s Spokesman said that the event was geared towards extending Chief of Police’s MC Ngcobo’s gratitude and appreciation to all personnel for their continued efforts in the fight against crime.“This is the beginning of a culture that JMPD aspires to set so that other municipalities in the country can implement their own award ceremonies and give their staff the recognition they deserve.”

“It is thanks to these members of the police force who set an example for their peers that crime can be beaten. The citizens of Johannesburg and their affiliated businesses benefit from a reduced crime rate and it is important that these incentives continue to support our mutual interests in protecting our families and communities,” concludes Samie.