The head of the serious and violent crimes unit in the Eastern Cape, Brigadier Duduzile Ngculu, the overall winner of the SAPS Provincial Excellence Awards, has been presented with the minister’s special award at a ceremony in Durban.
Ngculu headed a team of investigators who arrested many suspects in nine mass killings in the Eastern Cape in 2024, including the September 28 Lusikisiki massacre in which 18 people were killed, as well as the Bhityi, Willowvale and Qumbu killings.
A major highlight was the arrests made after the Lusikisiki massacre in which a 13-year-old boy, 15 women and two men were shot dead in Ngobozana village.
Among the survivors was a two-month-old baby, who was found among the bodies, including that of his mother.
Ngculu and her team made a breakthrough when they arrested eight people, including Mzukisi Ndamase, who was serving a life term for murder and 15 years for robbery.
Ndamase is believed to have been the mastermind behind the massacre.
He was about to be released on parole.
Also arrested was police killer Siphosoxolo Myekethe, 45, who was on parole.
The case has been set for trial from February 17 .
Outgoing provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene expressed her pride at Sunday’s awards ceremony.
“To the esteemed award winners of the 10th National Excellence Awards, I extend my warmest congratulations to each and every one of you.
“Your dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence have earned you this prestigious recognition.
“Your achievements are a testament to the high standards of professionalism and service delivery the SA Police Service strives to uphold.
“You have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and teamwork, and your contributions have made a significant impact on our communities.”
She said she was proud to lead such a team.
“Your achievements inspire us all to strive for greatness and to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said the Eastern Cape winners included:
• Family violence, child protection and sexual offences Investigator of the Year (level 8-12): Lieutenant-Colonel Queenie Mapipa;
• Administration Employee of the Year (level 8-12): Captain Mdumiseni Diniso;
• Vispol Employee of the Year (level 5-7): Sergeant C H Phillips;
• Vispol Operations Team of The Year (level 5-7): Warrant Officer Swartz and K9 Rescue;
• Operation Member first runner-up (Level 8-12): Lieutenant-Colonel Zamile Sigqibo;
• Detective Employee of The Year (Level 5-7): Sergeant B Gubo;
• Detective Employee of The Year 8-12: Captain P Potgieter;
• FCS (level 5-7) first runner-up: Warrant Officer Busisiwe Ncula; and
• Person with disability: Captain S J du Randt.
Ngculu said she was humbled by the award.
“It is amazing that our team’s work has been recognised by the minister.
“The Lusikisiki mass shooting shocked the country and our work was under scrutiny from many sectors, including the international community, with the families and community demanding justice.
“Despite the pressure, we decided to ensure a proper investigation.
“We managed to deliver and made a breakthrough and even managed to arrest the last suspect.
“We are happy that all are behind bars, thanks to the team’s work, dedication and vigilance that ensured the arrests.”
She was happy that arrests had been made in most of the mass killing cases in the Eastern Cape in 2024, with the most recent being for the murders of a traditional leader and his three brothers in Mente village in Willowvale.
In previous years, Ngculu’s team won many other accolades, provincially and nationally.
She commended her team as well as the support from provincial police management.
“This is also about the sacrifices we have made and continue to make for justice to be served to the communities and people of the Eastern Cape.”
The chair of the Lusikisiki victims’ family committee, David King, applauded Ngculu and her team.
“They deserve it. Remember there were no eyewitnesses except the baby.
“The investigator had no assistance from any witness.
“I was so happy when I watched them announce the winners of the minister’s award.
“Many murder cases remain unsolved but in this case the investigators showed dedication and solved it quickly. They deserve the crown.”
Police minister Senzo Mchunu said: “We celebrate the special categories that highlight outstanding contributions by individuals and teams, demonstrating that true excellence exists at every rank and is in every police department.
“Your achievements are a shining example of what can be accomplished through diligence and devotion to duty.”
National commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the awards “celebrate excellence, innovation and the remarkable achievements of individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skills in their field”.
Daily Dispatch
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.