“We made this award to Yusuf for his unconditional passion for protecting the people of South Africa. Primedia's Crime Line initiative is a fantastic initiative that's making a difference,” said Matla A Bana's Monique Strydom.
Crime Line is an anonymous tip-off service which appeals to the public to blow the whistle on criminals. Five hundred suspects have been arrested and over R20-million of stolen property, drugs and counterfeit goods have been seized since the launch of the national anti-crime campaign in June last year. (SMS 32211 or go to www.crimeline.co.za).
After receiving the award on Wednesday, 13 August 2008, Abramjee said: “We are honoured to receive this recognition and we appreciate it. However, I want to dedicate the award to every SAPS member in South Africa who has made arrests thanks to Crime Line tip-offs and to passionate people like 702's John Robbie and others who support the campaign.”
Robbie was the guest speaker at the awards ceremony, where he appealed to the public to blow the whistle on crime. He explained how Talk Radio 702 supported community initiatives and also assisted the police with resources. “We salute all those hardworking, committed and dedicated cops and we spit on those who are corrupt, inefficient and who give the police a bad name.”
Gauteng deputy police commissioner Henriette Bester also received an award at the ceremony and Honeydew police station commissioner Oswald Reddy was named Gauteng Station Commissioner of the Year. Several investigators who made breakthroughs in cases involving crimes against women and children were also recognised.
