Tracker SAPS Awards 2011
On Friday 14 October Tracker held their annual South African Police Awards recognising members of SAPS for outstanding services rendered.
Koos Radebe, Director of Communications and CSI conducted the Master of Ceremonies.
Ron Knott-Craig Director: Operations at Tracker presenting the awards.
Major General Francinah Vuma
The following criteria was used:
- Number of recoveries
- Number of arrests
- Outstanding contribution in the area of vehicle crime investigation
- Outstanding efforts in coordinating recovery actions
- Outstanding contribution to the training of members
The Individual finalists were:
- Warrant Officer GM Ramsamy
- Warrant Officer J Joubert
- Warrant Officer M Pienaar
- Lt Col. Motha
- Sergeant B Hyland
- Warrant Officer M van Rooyen
- Constable G de Bruin
- Warrant Officer A du Plessis
- Warrant Officer Kleinsmidt
Best Individual member went to Warrant Office GM Ramsamy of Montclair, Durban.
Known as “Tiger”, Warrant Officer Ramsamy recovered in excess of 170 Tracker fitted vehicles, made 40 arrests and recovered 10 firearms in 2010. I interviewed “Tiger” after the presentation. One can immediately see his commitment and total dedication to his job. He was getting ready to get back home on Friday evening, as he wanted to be available to support his team.
Tiger, a modest man said “my key to success is to work hard, be there for my team and get everyone necessary involved in tracking down stolen vehicles.” He has developed comprehensive intelligence and has the uncanny knowledge of knowing where a vehicle would be taken to after it is stolen. It is this dedication, attention to detail and leadership of his team that has lead him to 40 arrests last year.
Best Unit Award went to the Gauteng tracking team lead by Captain Xolisile Mbada.
Captain Mbada’s unit made over 500 arrests and closed down more than 25 chop shops, also known as syndicates.
I spoke to Captain Mbada and his message was short and sweet, “I have a close-knit team who are motivated to catch these car thieves. Leadership and supporting my team at all times is the key to our success.”
Once again it is clear that leadership plays an important role in developing a “crack” team to take on the car thieves and hijackers.
I also got to speak to Lt Colonel Du Plessis of the Wings unit. The Wings unit consists of men and woman who fly helicopters and fixed wing planes to help coordinate the team on the ground. Speaking to Lt Col Du Plessis, he said, “The key to our success consists of two things, attitude and discipline. These pilots play a pivotal role in hunting down stolen cars and guiding the ground teams to successful arrests.
All in all it was a well-attended event and the Tracker choir entertained us during the proceedings. Here is a short clip of one of their songs.
We look forward to honouring our police officers next year for the 16th Tracker – SAPS Awards 2012.
Tracker QR code
