The 'Star of the Stars' award is a joint monthly initiative between Pick 'n Pay and Crime Line to honour the policemen and women who go beyond the call of duty.

"The 'Star of the Stars' award plays a pivotal role in not only motivating the South African Police Service (SAPS), but also to honour those individuals and teams who go out of their way to ensure the safety of each and every South African," said Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee.

Reservist Sergeant Brian Black and the Narcotics Team based at the Douglasdale SAPS are the most recent winners of the award, accepting the title for November after a significant drug bust in Roodepoort.

The team comprising R/Sergeant Black and R/Constables Mike Shipton, Johan Lamberts, Tyron Tucker and Jason Sturzenegger responded to a Crime Line tip-off relating to suspected drug dealing in the area. They arrested one Nigerian male and confiscated 2.8 kilograms of CAT, 82 Ecstasy tablets and 400 grams of Cocaine worth R800 000.

"Considering the major problem we have with drugs and drug dealing in South Africa, this is another welcome victory in this consistent battle we have on our hands. Crime Line applauds the vigilant member of the public who chose to break the silence and rid his/her community of these drug lords. Imagine what we can accomplish if we all blow the whistle against crime," said Abramjee.

Acting on an anonymous tip-off Captain Lee Wood and his team from the Provincial Task Team executed a major drug bust at a security complex in Boksburg. The team arrested one suspect and seized over R500 000 worth of CAT, including chemicals and equipment used in the manufacturing of drugs.

Captain Wood and Warrant Officers Gary Davis, S.D Clark, Sthembiso Nxumalo, Jerry Duba, Leon Botha and Stephan Du Plessis were subsequently chosen as the 'Star of the Stars' for October.

At the time Abramjee described the bust as "the most significant drug bust since the launch of Crime Line".

National Police Comissioner, General Bheki Cele, in turn commended the team and the community who played a part in the bust: "The SAPS/Crime Line partnership is one which is seen to be working as it affords the community the opportunity to become actively involved in ridding their neighbourhoods of crime and criminals."

The 'Star of the Stars' award for September was awarded to Warrant Officer Biyela and his team from the Johannesburg Flying Squad who responded to a Crime Line tip-off about suspected drug dealing in Eldorado Park.

The team comprised Warrant Officer Biyela, Sergeants Dhladla, Meyer, Tshifhango and Constables Langa, Twala and Subramoney. They arrested one suspect and confiscated car parts, credit cards, stencils used to punch engine numbers, a firearm and ammunition valued at over R100 000.

Captain Dennis Adriao from the Office of the National Police Commissioner accepted the award on behalf of the team, commenting that you "can feel that there is a difference on the streets".

"Fighting crime starts with me... This is our core message as we enter the festive season and should extend far beyond the New Year. If you know about criminal activity it is your civic and moral duty to blow the whistle. Crime Line will ensure that tip-offs are passed on to the police anonymously," Abramjee said, encouraging South Africans to continue sending their detailed tip-offs to 32211 or via the website at www.crimeline.co.za