Ceremony honours Gauteng police officers for decades of service

Men and women in blue, who have served the Gauteng Province well in their long service, were honoured by the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant Tommy Mthombeni and his deputy, Major General Fred Kekana, on Wednesday.

The ceremony, which took place during the medal parade at Paterson Park in Norwood, honoured 27 members who are the recipients of 40, 30 and 10 years' loyal service medals for their dedication to the organisation.

The event was well-attended, with prominent figures including Dr Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Community Safety Portfolio Committee, Maj Gen Fred Kekana, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, and various senior officers from across the province, demonstrating the respect and recognition their commitment earns.

During his keynote address, Lt Gen Mthombeni reiterated that is about honouring the bravery of men and women who risk their lives to serve this country and its citizens. 

“Today, once more on this day, we honour those who have served the nation well and shown their dedication to loyal service. You are the defenders of the nation, and we follow what has been said about a nation that fails to honour its defenders,” he said.

On the constant criticism levelled at the police, Mthombeni urged his members to focus on the job at hand, which is to protect and defend citizens and the country itself.

“Criticism will always be there, but what is key is the SAPS mandate and responsibility in the fight against crime. This struggle and responsibility go on as the fight against crime continues this festive season and beyond,” he said.

Kekana, who delivered a vote of thanks to the guests, urged the recipients to continue their gallant fight against crime and criminal elements in the province.

“Your service to the community and to the men and women receiving these medals today, you are reminded that this is also important for you. You are reminded that these medals and decorations can only be worn for ceremonial duties,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kekana revealed that the police had brought in yet another suspect linked to the Reiger Park mass shooting to book, with reports that this 18-year-old suspect was brought in for questioning and was later released on Wednesday. 

Gauteng police spokesperson, Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, indicated that investigations are ongoing and an 18-year-old had been brought in for questioning after six victims were killed and three others were wounded in what police described as a drive-by shooting on the evening of November 1, 2025, in Williams Road in Reiger Park, Boksburg.

“It is reported that in the afternoon of Saturday, November 1, 2025, two vehicles, a silver Polo and a black Polo, came to this area and started shooting randomly,” said Nevhuhulwi.

Responding to the Reiger Park shooting, Kekana stated: “At a go, six people were shot and killed through this gangsterism issue. But we, as the police and law enforcement, are dealing with each case. We are saying to others, who are still on the run, that they can run but they cannot hide,” he stated.

On Tuesday, Kekana welcomed the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect linked to the mass shooting, who was arrested on the night of November 3 following investigations by the Anti-Gang Unit operating in the area.

The suspect has since appeared in court on Wednesday.