Constable Kwyô Louw has always believed in making a difference - regardless of background or circumstances.
After matriculating in 2013 and earning a Social Auxiliary Work diploma from Hugenote College, Louw joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2016.
He completed his training at the SAPS Philippi Training Academy and served seven years with the Railway Police before joining the Maitland Flying Squad where he continues to pursue his mission to protect and serve.
In the past financial year alone, Louw confiscated more than 50 illegal firearms and brought numerous offenders to justice.
His efforts earned him the 2023 Western Cape “Man of the Year” Award and the 2024 “Operational Member of the Year” award at the Provincial Excellence Awards. During this year’s SAPS National Excellence Awards, he was awarded the national runner up trophy in the same category.
Even off-duty, the Constable who was born and raised in Kraaifontein 30 years ago, remains dedicated to service. He leads various outreach efforts, including school shoe drives, food and sanitary towel distribution as well as initiatives to support school dropouts.
“These efforts have significantly strengthened trust between the police and the community, resulting in vital intelligence and successful recovery of firearms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles.
“Driven by the belief that SAPS represents the last line of hope for many, Constable Louw leads with humility and unwavering commitment, serving his community not only as an officer of the law but as a symbol of hope, resilience and change,” said the Western Cape SAPS in its tribute to its young members of the force.
This as South Africa in June commemorates Youth Month. This year marks the 48th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, when young people protested against the Bantu Education Act, which enforced Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools, and apartheid laws that oppressed black South Africans.
As a teenager at Parkdene High School, Louw founded “Kraai Love,” - a small community initiative, with just five volunteers, aimed at uplifting the vulnerable and giving hope to the hopeless.
What began as a simple act of service has since grown into a powerful crime prevention and community empowerment movement with over 180 000 supporters.
“Kraai Love” tackles the harsh realities of gangsterism, substance abuse, gender-based violence, school dropouts and pressing issues in a community where one in every three to four boys either drops out or joins a gang." – SAnews.gov.za
