Inspector’s hard work recognised
She encouraged them never to lose heart and be patient.
Without doubt 2019 has been an amazing year for Inspector Phumuzile Mkhwanazi from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) who recently walked tall at the JMPD Awards.
This Roodepoort-based officer is wrapping up the year with a big smile after scooping two major awards at the prestigious ceremony on 27 November.
This awards event is held annually to acknowledge hardworking employees who serve the community with loyalty and dedication.
An excited and humbled Mkhwanazi took home the awards as 1st Runner-up for Officer of the Year, and for Best Performing Inspector in crime prevention.
In an interview with Mkhwanazi, she said she was still mesmerised by her achievements, especially for being named Best Performing Inspector, since she has been promoted to the rank earlier this year.
“Not so longer I ago, I think in May, I was promoted to inspector,” said the JMPD officer who has been serving JMPD for 18 years.
Mkhwanazi explained what had set her apart from her colleagues this year. “Mainly I focus on areas of crime prevention, mostly dealing with cases of rape and any other forms of women abuse,” she said.
With the prevalence of domestic abuse in our communities, Mkhwanazi said she went out of her way to ensure that assistance is provided even if it is in the form of arresting the perpetrator.
“Such cases really move me. Whenever there is a report of abuse, I go out there and then,” she explained.
The 1st Runner-up for Officer of the Year award was a result of the successful conviction of men who gang-raped a pregnant women 11 years ago. Although there had been some convictions, Mkhwanazi said the main culprit was handed down life imprisonment this year. The same conviction also earned her a motivational letter from the court.
Apart from curbing domestic violence, she added that she also comes up with strategies to fight crime such as conducting joint operations, especially in the infamous sector of illegal mining in Roodepoort, and doing roadblocks.
Mkhwanazi had a few words for officers who wish to walk in her shoes next year. She encouraged them never to lose heart and be patient.
“I encourage them to be patient, keep doing what they love most and stay focused,” she said. Mkhwanazi said she cannot wait to steer the 1 500 new recruits in the right direction. “I can’t wait to show them my skills, teach them about patience and advise them to do good in order to be where I am today,” she concluded.
