The Laudium Community Policing Forum (CPF) illuminated the community with its flagship event, the Night of Stars Fundraising and Gala Dinner — an evening filled with pride, inspiration, and heartfelt gratitude. It was a celebration of service, a salute to bravery, and a reminder that when a community stands together, it shines brightest.
The occasion brought together a gathering of leaders, diplomats, law enforcement officials, and community stalwarts, all united by one purpose: to honor the selfless heroes of Laudium and to strengthen the collective fight against crime.
Among the esteemed guests were:
•MEC Faith Mazibuko, Member of the Executive Council, Gauteng Province
•Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamotheti, Divisional Commissioner: Visible Policing and Operations, SAPS
•Mulay Mohamed Fadel, Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara)
•Ayesha Gul Kandas, Former Ambassador of Turkey
•Malik Mohamed Farouk, High Commissioner of Pakistan
•Dr. Ali Osam Abed, Ambassador of Iraq
•Counselor Bassam Elhussiny, Deputy Ambassador of Palestine
•Yusuf Abramjee, activist, media personality, and crime fighter
The highlight of the evening was the heartfelt recognition of those who go above and beyond for Laudium. Awards were presented across multiple categories, each telling a story of sacrifice, courage, and commitment.
Special Recognition Award – Yusuf Abramjee
Police Officer of the Year – Warrant Officer Thabo Alpheus Phetla
Patroller of the Year – Yaseen Tinwala
Lifetime Achievement Awards – Jay Chinsamy and Danny Francis Dorasamy
Leadership & Community Impact – Miley Alli (CPF) and Aniel Soma (Laudium Gating Committee)
Partnerships & Diplomacy Awards – Pakistan South Africa Association and Counselor Bassam Elhussiny
Environmental & Civic Responsibility – Laudium Erasmia Clean Up Campaign
But the most moving moment of the night was when every Community in Blue patroller received a medal and certificate. Tears of pride filled the room as the audience rose in applause, acknowledging the unsung men and women who leave their homes in the dead of night to patrol the streets — not for recognition, but out of love for their community.
They are fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who sacrifice comfort, family time, and even safety, to protect their neighbors. Their courage is what keeps Laudium safe.
Two extraordinary leaders within the CPF were honored with Chairperson’s Special Awards for their tireless devotion:
Mohammed Noor Nawab, Secretary of Laudium CPF – Recognized for his relentless commitment and organizational brilliance. Mohammed Noor has been the engine room of the CPF, ensuring systems, patrols, and communication run like clockwork. His work behind the scenes has given structure and strength to the CPF’s mission.
Councillor Naeem Patel, Ex Officio of Laudium CPF – Honored for his guidance, advocacy, and presence on the ground. Councillor Patel has been a bridge-builder, bringing together government, stakeholders, and the community. His leadership and determination have left a permanent mark on the CPF and the safety of Laudium.
Both honorees stood as reminders that leadership is not about titles, but about service and sacrifice.
MEC Faith Mazibuko inspired the crowd with words that stirred deep pride: “The Laudium CPF stands as a shining example of what community policing should be. Patrollers are ordinary men and women, but their voluntary service makes them extraordinary. They are the unsung heroes of our communities, and government salutes them.”
Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamotheti added heartfelt praise: “Visible policing cannot be achieved by SAPS alone. The Laudium CPF has shown how civil society and law enforcement can walk hand in hand to keep communities safe. Their sacrifices do not go unnoticed.”
Keynote speaker Yusuf Abramjee, a renowned anti-crime activist and host of Crime Watch on etv and eNCA, emphasized the importance of community involvement in fighting crime. His words lit a spark of determination across the room, reminding all present that the fight against crime begins at home — and must be fought together.
“Crime affects us all, and fighting it is everyone’s responsibility. The Laudium CPF is a model of unity and resilience. Your patrollers have stood in the cold nights, faced danger, and never gave up. That is true patriotism.”
Abramjee urged communities to take a stand against crime and blow the whistle on criminal activities, particularly those involving drug dealers. He also expressed concern about corrupt law enforcement officials who accept bribes from both legal and illegal foreigners, undermining efforts to maintain law and order.
"Communities must work in partnership with the police to fight crime," Abramjee stressed. He praised the Laudium CPF, led by Shaheen Wahab, for being one of the most effective community police forums in the province. The CPF's dedication to serving the community and fighting crime has not gone unnoticed.
Abramjee further appealed to residents to hold the police accountable for their actions and ensure they serve the community with integrity. "We need to support our police officers who are doing their job honestly and efficiently while also demanding accountability from those who are corrupt," he said.
The funds raised will ensure that CPF patrollers are better equipped, trained, and supported.
The CPF extends heartfelt gratitude to every sponsor, dignitary, and resident who contributed to making this evening unforgettable.
“Tonight was about more than awards and recognition,” said the CPF Chairperson in closing. “It was about celebrating the heartbeat of Laudium — our people. Together, we recommit ourselves to building a safer, stronger, and more united community.”
Laudium is stronger when it stands together.
Pictured from left, Shaheen Wahab, Deputy Ambassador of Palestine Counselor Bassam Elhussiny, CPF Secretary Mohammed Noor Nawab and Cllr Naeem Patel
Joney Allie (Wife of the late Ismail Miley Allie), MEC Faith Mazibuko, Naeem Allie, Shaheen Wahab and Councillor Naeem Patel
Yusuf Abramjee, High Commissioner of Pakistan Malik Mohamed Farouk and Shaheen Wahab
Yusuf Abramjee, Patroller Nizam Cassim and Shaheen Wahab
Shaheen Wahab, Ambassador of Western Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Mulay Mohamed Fadel, Aniel Soma and Cllr Naeem Patel
Patroller of the Year Yaseen Tinwala receiving his award from Laudium Disaster Management's Ibraaheem Dockrat
Shaheen Wahab, Danny Francis Dorasamy, Moulana Abubakr Chouglay of The Gardens Social Services, Cllr Naeem Patel, Jay Chinsamy and Naeem Allie
Morongwa Mathilda Molokomme of the Laudium Crime Prevention Youth Desk receiving her award
Patroller Jilani Wahab receiving his award
Sajid Amla receiving his award from Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Azwimmbavhi Ravhudzulo
Patroller Mansi Nandani awarded as well
Former Ambassador of Turkey to South Africa Aysegul Kandas with Pakistan South Africa Association's Amanat Ali
