Officers bust huge cable theft syndicate
THEY are often accused of being corrupt, taking bribes from motorists and failing to enforce the traffic laws.
But two Joburg metro police department (JMPD) officers showed that not all of them should be painted with the same brush when they received the Integrity Award.
This was for tracking down and arresting suspects linked to a massive copper cable theft, which left the city centre in the dark for 24 hours.
Officers Khotso Manamela and Shimane Mabuse hunted down the suspected thieves, who caused businesses lose millions of rand.
They turned down a bribe and handcuffed the alleged syndicate kingpins instead.
Manamela and Mabuse were among 14 Gauteng law enforcement officers honoured for their excellent service and dedication at the Community Safety Awards on Friday.
In September, thieves stole cables worth R400 000, which plunged the CBD into darkness.
Manamela and Mabuse were part of the team tasked with finding the city’s copper cables and bringing the perpetrators to book.
They received a tip-off on the whereabouts of the cables and followed up a lead that took them to a scrap dealer in Langlaagte.
Upon their arrival, they found the owners of the business in possession of the stolen copper cables. Realising they were cornered, the suspects attempted to bribe their way out of an arrest with R10 000 cash.
Manamela and Mabuse rejected the money, nabbed the suspects and slapped them with bribery and corruption charges.
The two officers downplayed the award, saying they were merely doing their job.
“We do our jobs not expecting recognition, but rather to serve the residents of our city. However, when such accolades are forthcoming, it is very rewarding,” Manamela said.
Mabuse said: “Such awards really make one feel proud of the work we do while serving and protecting the residents of our city. We really appreciate this award.”
They pair also received R20 000 each.
The member of the mayoral committee for public safety, councillor Michael Sun, congratulated the pair, saying he was proud of the metro’s specialised unit.
“This is recognition that the JMPD is busy restoring its image and trust in the community.
“I am proud of officers Manamela and Mabuse and the JMPD, Emergency Management Services, firefighters, paramedics and disaster management officials for flying the public safety flag high and for being committed to service delivery to the residents of Joburg.
“Their actions show that integrity is a non-negotiable principle in our department,” Sun added.
Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane also praised the law enforcement officials and said the awards celebrated their commitment to community safety.
“Many of those present have gone beyond the call of duty and put their lives at risk to ensure that they keep our city safe,” she said.
“The vision of the Department of Community Safety is to make Gauteng the province where people feel safe,” Nkosi-Malobane added.
She also acknowledged the five SAPS officers who were gunned down at Engcobo police station in the Eastern Cape last week and condemned the senseless killings. “I am talking to you as the JMPD, asizovuma imisuzo isibulale (we are not going to allow these criminals to murder our officers)…
“We must pursue these thugs who target our law enforcement officials and bring them to book,” she said.
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Delivered excellent service to the residents of Joburg