By Everson Luhanga
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, better known as the Hawks, held their National Prestige Awards at the Batter Boys Guest House in Pretoria on Friday morning.
The awards honoured Hawks officers who root out crime in society with their investigative skills.
The Hawks’ deputy national head, Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi, delivered the keynote address in which he highlighted several notable achievements of the unit in uncovering serious corruption, commercial crime and organised crime.
“Our winners are the heroes. Their commitment, dedication and sacrifice are making a great positive change to our society,” he said, thanking the families of investigators who support them, often after working hours.
“To all the winners, you have shown the love for your work. Your peers and colleagues will be inspired by the work you have done,” Nkosi said.
Officials from international law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the United Kingdom, Canada and France attended the event.
Speaking on behalf of the international dignitaries, John Connell from the FBI said they were honoured by the cooperation from the Hawks which made their investigations in South Africa successful.
In the category of serious corruption investigation, the award went to Captain Rudzani Makanamise, with Warrant Officer GJ Fick and Sergeant A Bizani named as runners-up.
Constable NE Nzimande from the Eastern Cape was a winner in the serious commercial crime category. He investigated fraud and money laundering cases and recovered R774,160 that was stolen.
Warrant Officer SM Ntshangase from KwaZulu-Natal walked away with the award for best investigator of organised crime for his probe into police murders in the province.
The officer was given a four-day holiday stay in Mauritius with his family.
Pictured above: Some of the winners at the Hawks prestige awards ceremony held at the Batter Boys Guest House in Pretoria on Friday.
Image source: Everson Luhanga
