Eastern Cape Officers from Chris Hani District Earn Top SAPS Honours

Two members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) from the Chris Hani District have brought pride to the Eastern Cape after being recognised at the 11th SAPS National Excellence Awards, held in Bloemfontein, Free State, on 26 January 2026.

Captain Heidi Winnaar, Station Commander of Molteno SAPS, and Sergeant Masibulele Qinisile from Cacadu Police Station were nominated at national level, representing the entire Eastern Cape Province.

Their achievements were highlighted in a media statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner: Eastern Cape.

Captain Heidi Winnaar’s Community-Focused Leadership

Captain Winnaar has been recognised for a wide range of community-driven initiatives and leadership programmes implemented across the Chris Hani District.

She initiated the Community in Blue concept and introduced the Junior District and Station Commissioners programme within the district.

In her role as District Coordinator for Hostage and Suicide Negotiators, she has led successful kidnapping negotiations together with the District Hostage Negotiation Team.

As Station Commander, she also launched SAPS structures focusing on Spiritual Support and Youth Crime Prevention.

One of her flagship initiatives, the Journey of Hope, saw the distribution of 1,500 pairs of school shoes, socks, blankets and educational books to schools in Molteno, Sterkstroom and Graaff-Reinet.

Working with her station’s social crime prevention team, engagements with children included washing their feet, education on life challenges, and career guidance discussions.

These interactions brought to light serious social issues, including child abuse, drug smuggling, child-headed households, poverty and bullying.

In response, the team provided school clothing from personal resources where needed, initiated feeding schemes, visited old age homes, and supported and educated elderly residents.

School safety programmes were also implemented.

Additional initiatives under Captain Winnaar’s leadership included sanitary pad drives for schoolgirls, a Women’s Day event for gender-based violence survivors, and door-to-door GBV awareness campaigns.

To motivate SAPS members, she introduced a Station Excellence Awards event, personally handing out trophies, certificates and cash prizes totalling approximately R9,000 from her own pocket.

This initiative reportedly fostered healthy competition among members and contributed to a reduction in crime within the station’s policing precinct.

Sergeant Masibulele Qinisile Honoured Nationally

Sergeant Masibulele Qinisile, aged 41, was crowned the Laureate Award Winner and received the prestigious National Commissioner’s Award at the same ceremony.

The Cacadu Police Station member was awarded a brand new vehicle, marking the first time he has owned a car, earned through dedication and service.

Sergeant Qinisile was recognised for an act of bravery during a domestic violence incident where he intervened to save the life of a woman, her child and fellow police officers.

During the incident, a colleague was disarmed and the team was nearly fatally wounded.

Sergeant Qinisile took charge while the suspect opened fire on police, ultimately preventing further loss of life.

During the awards ceremony, National Commissioner General Fanie Masemola encouraged SAPS members to continue their commitment to service excellence.

The District Commissioner expressed pride in the officers, noting their passion and dedication to policing and community service.