George Police and community partners shine at Prestige Awards

GEORGE NEWS: The Garden Route District Police Prestige Awards 2025, held last Wednesday, 5 November, celebrated the police members and community partners across the district for their outstanding dedication and service.

Among the winners, several individuals and teams from George stood out for their exceptional contributions to community safety, leadership and policing excellence.

Woman of the year: Constable Mona Slinger joined the police in April 2023 and quickly became a passionate advocate for community safety in Thembalethu. She works tirelessly to combat GBV, support children and improve the police's image. Even before permanent placement, she collaborated with Sahara, the CPF and the Community in Blue, organising youth programmes and community initiatives. Demonstrating creativity and leadership, she launched the Designing a Greener Future project, engaging children in recycling and anti-litter campaigns, promoted via social media and radio. Her dedication, innovation and commitment to service delivery exemplify her exceptional contribution to the community.

Woman of the Year 2025: Major General Phumzile Cetyana, the district police commissioner, Constable Mona Slinger, Thembalethu SAPS, and Brigadier Belinda Pather, the district’s deputy police commissioner.Sportman of the Year: Captain Deon Floris has made South African sporting history as the first SAPS cue sport athlete to earn Protea colours in blackball, eight-ball and snooker. In 2024, he ranked among the top national players, securing fifth place in blackball and eight-ball and ninth place in snooker, while representing SA at the World Blackball Pool Championships in Malta and achieving a world ranking of number 19. Beyond his success as a competitor, he serves as the vice president of Snooker and Billiards SA, a national referee and coach, and played a key role in establishing South Africa’s first cue sport academy, mentoring emerging athletes nationwide.

Sportman of the Year 2025: Major General Phumzile Cetyana, the district police commissioner, Captain Deon Floris, George SAPS, and Brigadier Belinda Pather, the district's deputy police commissioner.Reservist of the Year: Reservist Constable Nico Luiters, a reservist since 2006, has provided exceptional crime prevention and community policing services in Pacaltsdorp. He has assisted detectives, executed search warrants, escorted detainees and exhibits, and actively participated in social crime projects, including school visits and awareness campaigns. Over the past year, he contributed to 179 arrests covering drug possession, dangerous weapons, ammunition and riotous behaviour. Beyond his operational duties, he consistently exceeded his voluntary hours, often working over 100 hours per month. Known for his professionalism, discipline and positive engagement with the community, Luiters is a loyal and invaluable asset to the Pacaltsdorp Police.

Reservist of the Year 2025: Major General Phumzile Cetyana, the district police commissioner, R/Const Nico Luiters, Pacaltsdorp SAPS, and Brigadier Belinda Pather, the district’s deputy police commissioner.

Community Police Forum of the year : George Community Police Forum

As chairperson of the George CPF, Rupert Pretorius and his team play a vital role in strengthening trust between the police and local communities across the Garden Route. The CPF co-ordinates safety campaigns, facilitates joint operations and ensures that community voices help shape policing strategies. All neighbourhood watches in the George district, including those in farming areas, operate under the CPF umbrella, working together to combat crime in line with SAPS guidelines. Pretorius believes community safety is a shared responsibility. “We encourage residents to get involved, whether by joining a neighbourhood watch, attending meetings or simply staying informed. Every small action makes a difference.” He says his motivation comes from seeing people unite across backgrounds to protect and uplift one another. “The recognition we’ve received belongs to every volunteer and resident who contributes to George’s safety.”

CPF of the Year 2025: Major General Phumzile Cetyana, the district police commissioner,, Rupert Pretorius, George CPF Chairperson, and Brigadier Belinda Pather, the district’s deputy police commissioner.