The festivities begin on Monday (26/1), as the organisation will begin at Lemo Green Park in Bloemfontein for the national excellence awards. The celebration continues on Tuesday at the Dr Petrus Rantlai Molemela Stadium, which will host a dual-purpose event commemorating the 21st anniversary of national police day alongside an informative career expo. 

Acting minister of police Firoz Cachalia, deputy ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale and national commissioner general Fannie Masemola, will lead the senior management and members of the service in commemorating excellence, dedication and service in policing.

The national excellence awards serve as the culmination of a rigorous selection process that began at the provincial level across all nine provinces. With more than 30 distinct categories, the ceremony recognises forensic investigators, detectives, and administrative personnel who have exceeded their constitutional mandates.

The event highlights innovation and bravery, featuring the prestigious national commissioner’s and ministry awards. These accolades are reserved for members who demonstrate high levels of integrity while performing duties that range from crime prevention to complex criminal investigations.

“It is a day where every member of the police makes his or her own reflection about the job that a police member is doing as mandated by the constitution, because ours is constitutional,” said corporate communication and liaison component head, Maj. Gen. Nonkululeko Phokane.

The police's communication teams are prioritising community mobilisation, ensuring the public is well-informed and invited to attend the scheduled events in the Free State. Photo: OFM 

The second phase of the programme shifts to a massive public display at the Dr Petrus Rantlai Molemela stadium for national police day. Established by the cabinet in 2005, this day commemorates the sacrifices of officers and honours those who have fallen in the line of duty.

This year’s event integrates a career expo targeting 1,000 invited learners from various Free State districts. Specialised units, including the special task force, the national intervention unit, and the canine (K9) unit, will conduct operational displays of machinery and tactical skills to showcase the diverse disciplines within the service.

The expo aims to broaden the public’s understanding of policing beyond traditional station work. It features experts from the forensic science laboratory, including DNA analysts, as well as legal advocates, accountants, and pilots.

“We are entering police into communities so there’s no us and them. But when they speak about police, they say these are our police. Work with us, and together we can fight crime,” said Phokane

The planning for the two-day event involves representatives from all divisions and provinces, making it a rotational hosting feat for the Free State. Beyond the ceremonial parades and drills, the programme acknowledges members who have achieved academic milestones within the service. 

The gathering reinforces the serving with integrity, celebrating excellence theme, emphasising the partnership between the 1,152 police stations nationwide and the citizens they protect.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane dg