At a ceremony today, Minister of Community Safety, Alan Winde, announced the recipient of the Western Cape Government’s inaugural Crime Fighter Award, and gave 61 newly accredited Neighbourhood Watch structures (NHW) their formal certificates.
The handover of an award to an exceptional crime fighter is a new initiative in the Department, to recognise the efforts by individuals and groups in their pursuit of creating a #SaferWesternCape.
The maiden Crime Fighter Award went to Sergeant Daryl van Noie, a SAPS detective based at Manenberg Police Station who dealt a swift arrest to the five alleged perpetrators of an armed attack on a female Emergency Medical Service (EMS) staff member. The attack took place in the early hours of 5 June 2017, and the suspects were apprehended within 40 minutes.
While delivering his keynote address, Minister Winde said: “It is an honour to recognise Sergeant Daryl van Noie and I commend him for his dedication to combatting crime. He epitomizes what it means to be a hero, bringing justice for the people of his community through his professional and hard work. He was also aided by vigilant Heideveld residents, who provided him with the information he needed to make swift arrests. In partnership with his community, he is creating a #SaferWesternCape.”
Sgt Van Noie said: “I am ecstatic by this award and the recognition, as I did not expect it. It is a privilege to be acknowledged. This is not just a job, but a calling, as I always wanted to be a detective. The gratitude from the complainant is more than enough. I treat all my cases with the serious attention they require.”
Three of the accused have subsequently been convicted in the Wynberg Regional Court and a sentence of 12 years imprisonment was imposed. The trial of the remaining two will proceed in the Wynberg Regional Court.
With regard to the accreditation of the Neighbourhood Watches, Minister Winde said: “I am thrilled to be accrediting these 61 Neighbourhood Watches from 30 areas. We now have 291 accredited NHW’s in the province, all of whom have undergone training and are equipped with their starter kits. Working in partnership with Community Policing Forums and the police, these volunteers are safeguarding their communities and contributing to a #SaferWesternCape.
These are our heroes – the men and women who devote their time and effort on a voluntary basis to making our streets safer. Every NHW member is a vital cog in our crime fighting machine, and I applaud and thank them all,” said Minister Winde.
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
021 483 3873 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za