KwaZulu-Natal police awarded at the 2026 National SAPS Excellence Awards
Station commander Colonel MI Nngadi receives the award after Umkomaas Police Station was named Station of the year during the SAPS National Excellence Awards.
Image: SAPS
KwaZulu-Natal police leadership, detectives and reservists have emerged as national standouts at the 2026 National SAPS Excellence Awards, securing top honours for operational command, administration, detective services and reservist contribution.
From crime detection to financial governance and frontline service, KZN recipients featured prominently among the national winners recognised for excellent service.
Operational leadership at the forefront
Brigadier WS Kunene
In a statement, the national police said Brigadier WS Kunene was named Senior Operational Manager of the Year: Crime Detection, in recognition of a career spanning more than three decades within the South African Police Service.
As Provincial Head overseeing Crime Detection components including Murder and Robbery, Taxi Violence, Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES), Vehicle Crime Investigation Units (VCIU) and the Provincial Investigation Unit (PIU), Brigadier Kunene has driven investigative performance aligned to SAPS strategic objectives.
“Under his leadership, the province recorded high-profile arrests, strong bail opposition and significant convictions in serious and organised crime, ranging from rhino poaching and multiple murders to aggravated robbery, vehicle crime and business robberies.
Brigadier WS Kunene received the award for Senior operational manager for Crime detection.
Image: SAPS
“These outcomes contributed to the province being ranked among the top three nationally in efficiency performance, reflecting improvements in detection rates, trial-ready dockets and convictions,” the police noted.
Brigadier Kunene’s impact was further highlighted when the Detective Services Team of the Year award was presented to him and the Provincial SVC Murder and Robbery Unit (PHQ) in KwaZulu-Natal.
In the past year, the unit attended more than 100 crime scenes and secured over 70 arrests for violent crimes. Their investigations resulted in 68 life sentences, including convictions linked to the Inanda and Umhlanga massacres. The team has also dismantled hitman syndicates and solved complex cold cases involving the murders of entire families.
Beyond statistics, the unit is noted for sacrificing leave and personal time to finalise dockets, assisting other units and maintaining a zero-reminder work ethic. Their integration of technology with unconventional investigative methods improved cost-efficiency while sustaining high-quality service delivery, earning national recognition and widespread public confidence.
Constable S Kara, who is based in Durban North, was named Reservist of the year.
Image: SAPS
Station of the year
KZN also claimed the station of the year award. The national police said that under the leadership of station commander Colonel MI Nngadi, Umkomaas police station has managed to reduce complaints against the police in the area by 50%, as significant improvements have been implemented to enhance service delivery.
Colonel Nngadi also achieved all expected targets and reduced the baseline of all indicators in the Station’s Annual Operational Plan and performance agreements.
Captain K Naidoo is Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigator of the year Level 8-12.
Image: SAPS
Recognising dedication on the ground
Constable S Kara
KZN’s culture of service excellence was also reflected in individual recognition. Reservist Constable S Kara, based in Durban North, was named Reservist of the Year for his consistent availability during high-demand periods, particularly night shifts on weekends, and for his role in apprehending suspects linked to serious crimes including bomb threats, drug-related offences, cash-in-transit crimes, housebreakings, kidnapping and murder..
Captain K Naidoo
Investigator for the year for Level 8-12 in the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) section was Captain K Naidoo who is the commander of the Greytown FCS.
The police noted that since taking command in November 2024, his strategic oversight has increased the unit’s efficiency, resulting in a high number of convictions, including multiple life sentences and significant prison terms for crimes ranging from rape to robbery.
Sergeant MR Sithole was named Vispol member of the year Level 5-7.
Image: SAPS
Sergeant MR Sithole
Sergeant MR Sithole received the Vispol member of the year award, Level 5 -7. He serves as a within Social Crime Prevention.
The police said as a Sector Commander, Sithole is consistently present and active during community and farmers meetings and remains readily accessible to community members and stakeholders. The member leads rural safety operations, which include roadblocks, school awareness programmes, and ensuring compliance of liquor outlets and taverns.
Brigadier Y Moodley was awarded as Senior Administration Manager of the Year: Level 13–15.
Image: SAPS
Brigadier Y Moodley
The province's achievements extended beyond operational policing with Brigadier Y Moodley, Provincial Head for Financial Management Services, being awarded Senior Administration Manager of the Year: Level 13–15.
The police noted that despite a significantly reduced provincial budget allocation, Brigadier Moodley ensured stringent financial management without compromising service delivery.
A key highlight was the dramatic reduction in fruitless and wasteful expenditure from 18 incidents in the 2023/2024 financial year, to one incident in 2024/2025.
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