The South African Police Service's (SAPS) prestigious "Man of the Year" award was presented to Sgt Nghezimani Shadrack Mabunda, a detective stationed at Malamulele, during the National Excellence Awards ceremony held at the Durban International Convention Centre on 26 January 2025.
The 46-year-old Sgt Mabunda was recognised for his exemplary work as part of the Trio Crimes Unit, which has resolved numerous complex cases, including the tracking and recovery of stolen vehicles. Beyond his policing duties, he actively engages with the youth through sports and community events, aiming to reduce gangsterism and promote positive role models.
This is not the first accolade Sgt Mabunda has received. In 2016, he won the award for Operational Member during the Limpopo Province's Excellence Awards. A year later, he was part of the group that secured second place at the National Excellence Awards in the Best Flying Squad category. In 2023/2024, he was crowned Mr. Vhembe District and also received the trophy for Man of the Year at the District Excellence Awards. Additionally, he won the Sportsman of the Year award. While at Malamulele Police Station, he received numerous certificates of appreciation from the station, district, provincial, and national levels for his exemplary service.
Throughout his service, Sgt Mabunda has encountered numerous life-threatening situations. While stationed at Marikana, he was involved in a shootout with five suspects who had committed a robbery. He successfully neutralised one suspect and managed to recover four firearms.
His educational journey began at Munghonghoma Primary School and continued at Khomani Mbhalati High School in the Giyani area. In 1998, after finishing school, he enrolled at Technikon SA to study purchasing management but had to drop out because of financial constraints.
He joined the SAPS in 2006 and was stationed in the Krugersdorp area. His next assignment was at the Tlhabane Police Station in Rustenburg, followed by a transfer to Marikana SAPS, where he served until early 2010. He was then reassigned to the Malamulele SAPS, where he became known for his outstanding work.
In 2021, Det-Sgt Mabunda returned to further his education in policing and enrolled at Studio College, successfully completing his degree in December 2024.
His advice to young people, especially those in the police service, is to stay clear of any corrupt activities. "I would advise those willing to join the police services to always be honest, transparent, and ready to protect the citizens of the country," he said. Mabunda also encouraged members of the SAPS to take education seriously and register with various institutions of higher learning as a way of increasing their knowledge and skills.