A Cape Flats cop received a standing ovation this week after he was awarded for securing the successful conviction of three skollies who robbed an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) worker.
Detective Sergeant Daryl van Noie, 42, from Manenberg Police Station received the first Provincial Crimefighter Award given by Community Safety MEC Alan Winde along with R5 000 in prize money.
Members of neighbourhood watches which recently received their accreditation from the Department of Community Safety filled the community hall and applauded as Van Noie was called to the stage.
The case dates back to 5 June 2017, where an EMS worker was robbed in Heideveld. Within hours Van Noie arrested Faizel Solomons, 28, Duwayne Kennedy, 24, and Gideon Graham, 25, and two other men and recovered the woman’s valuables.
Daryl van Noie, winner of the Crimefighter of the Month award, with, from left, General Sandisile Dyantyi, MEC Alan Winde and Lieutenant Colonel Phaphama Rolobile
On 23 November 2017, all three men, who are members of the Americans gang, were found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison for armed robbery at Wynberg Regional Court. The trial of the remaining two will proceed shortly.
“He epitomises what it means to be a hero, bringing justice for the people of his community through his professional and hard work,” Winde said of Van Noie.
“He was also aided by vigilant Heideveld residents, who provided him with the information he needed to make swift arrests.”
Van Noie says he is happy to be recognised for his hard work, but says the gratitude of the complainant is more than enough.