A Mitchells Plain man has been named the City of Cape Town’s top cop.
Officer Ridwaan Nero, better known as Nero the Hero, won the “Officer of the Year” prize at the City’s annual Auxiliary Law Enforcement Service on Tuesday evening.
Nero’s colleagues were also awarded the “Team of the Year” trophy.
The Auxiliary Law Enforcement Service was established in 2013.
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says nominations were submitted by supervisors and Nero was the only nominee from Area South.
ACCOLADE: Nero’s team members received Team of the Year award. Photo: SUPPLIED
“This officer always avails himself for his colleagues. He has received numerous compliments and notes of appreciation from the public for going the extra mile,” says Smith.
“He is dedicated to what he does and everyone knows you are sure to get a response.
“He has made numerous arrests which include drugs, firearms, dangerous weapons, assault and recovering hijacked vehicles, to name just a few.
“He also assisted on many accident scenes when there was either no ambulance service available or there was a delay in the service getting to the scene.
“He is a role model for many new and even long-serving members of all essential services and not just Law Enforcement.”
Speaking to the Daily Voice on Wednesday, Nero, 48, said he dedicates the awards to his team, members of the neighbourhood watches and residents.
FEARLESS: The team in action. Photo: SUPPLIED
“I started in 2016 and always wanted to make a difference. I love what I do and it makes me feel good doing good,” he says.
“This has been a team effort and we can only thank the Almighty for what he has instilled in us.”
Nero and his team, Wesley Moses, Tariq Albertyn and Abdulatief Hendricks, were commended for their quick response times and their good relationships with communities.
“They are known to be the first responders to a scene.
“They also attended to many incidents where the community was angry, emotional and shocked due to the scene and this team has assisted in showing compassion and helping where necessary,” Smith says.