Selosesha police officer bestowed with laureate of the year!

On Thursday evening, the Free State police held excellence awards and a gala dinner ceremony where many police officials received various awards including certificates, trophies, vouchers and cash prizes among others.

Thato Mothamane(33), a constable from Selosesha police station outdid herself during the ceremony as she received an award for the best provincial VISPOL employee of the year. She was also the second runner-up for woman of the year in the province.

One would think that was it for the hardworking officer, but Mothamane received, from the Premier, the 2022 laureate award (legacy award) as well.

As a constable at Selosesha police station, Mothamane works as a school safety officer, managing more than 40 schools. She conducts various activities comprising of projects and campaigns aimed at tackling social issues in schools with the likeness of bullying and substance abuse, to neutralise the learning environment.

“I am guided by the Blue Print document which guides learners who take part in public speaking competitions. By so doing, we try to come up with ideas on how to neutralise crime in our schools,” said Mothamane.

Furthermore, constable Mothamane launched the Youth Crime Prevention Desk at Selosesha police station which she currently coordinates. The team consists of 30 youngsters who received training guided by the National Youth Crime Prevention Strategy document.

In 2019, the national police commissioner, general Khehla Sitole, established a community-based National Spiritual Crime Prevention with the aim of addressing different crimes within communities. Guided by this document, constable Mothamane also works with churches and their pastors, to help the community refrain form criminal activities through counselling and prayer sessions.

The selfless officer is also part of the Selosesha Information Task Team, consisting of six officers. This team works after hours to trace wanted suspects and/or those dealing in drugs within in the community.

Other titles held by the 2022 provincial laureate include: secretary of the Junior Management Core in Selosesha; patriotic coordinator of Mangaung-Metro Junior Managemnt Core and a member of the Women’s Network in Selosesha.

In the past, Mothamane has received numerous awards of appreciation from schools she works with. She also received a good-work certificate from Motheo district department of education, and a letter of thanks from Safer South Africa Foundation. Mothamane was also invited as a guest speaker at the Kakgisanong police station during the June 16 celebration.

“Being a police officer is not only about catching criminals, but also about educating the society and building communities,” added Mothamane.