Senior police officer Brigadier Adriaan Jacobus “Attie” Lamprecht has received the Whistleblower Sherpa Support Award at Public Interest South Africa’s 2026 Whistleblower Awards. He was recognised for his work protecting informants and strengthening anonymous crime reporting.
The awards ceremony was held on Monday under the theme “Honouring Courage. Inspiring Integrity”, recognising individuals from various sectors for their courage, integrity and contributions to South Africa.
More than 30 years of protecting informants
Lamprecht, who has served in the South African Police Service (SAPS) for 42 years, oversees several national sections, including Crime Stop, Harmful and Occult Crimes, and the Bureau for Missing Persons, established in 1994.
“For more than 30 years, Brigadier Lamprecht has headed the internationally recognised Crime Stop Call Centre (08600 10111), which enables members of the public to anonymously report information about criminal activities,” national police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said.
She said Crime Stoppers International had previously recognised South Africa for its exceptional handling of anonymous tip-offs from members of the public.
“Since its establishment 34 years ago, Crime Stop has maintained a record of protecting the identities of informants who provide information through the platform,” Van Wyk said.
“Over the years, information received through these tip-offs has contributed to thousands of arrests and the seizure of illicit goods and other criminal assets worth hundreds of millions of rands.”
Lamprecht also serves as a director of Crime Stoppers International, a global organisation dedicated to strengthening anonymous crime reporting systems and supporting crime prevention initiatives.
Experience in witness protection
Lamprecht holds a PhD in sociology and has also managed the Witness Protection Programme while it was administered by the SAPS.
His work in witness protection and anonymous crime reporting has contributed to efforts to safeguard people who provide information to law enforcement authorities.
Masemola congratulates Lamprecht
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola congratulated Lamprecht on receiving the award.
He commended his decades of service and his contribution to strengthening public confidence in anonymous crime reporting platforms.
“Brigadier Lamprecht’s award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to protecting those who come forward with information to help fight crime.
“His work demonstrates the importance of safeguarding the identities of informants and ensuring that members of the public can contribute to the fight against crime without fear. The SAPS congratulates him on this well-deserved honour,” Masemola said.
