This morning, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola sent well-wishes on behalf of the organisation to 235 police members from across the country who have swapped their uniforms for running kits as they take part in this weekend’s 42.2-kilometre Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and accompanying races.
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Masemola and Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile, led 52 members from various police stations in the country as well as provincial and divisional commissioners as they took part in the five- and ten-kilometre Peace Run events.
In a bid to highlight and encourage fitness within the police ranks through participating in running events, Masemola said ”We continue to encourage and implement wellness and fitness programmes to ensure police officers are always fit to respond to the call of duty’.
The members, dressed in an array of bright blue T-shirts and running shoes, started their run just before 6am at the DHL Stadium this morning with some conquering the ten-kilometres and others tackling the five-kilometre event.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the SAPS has 21 sporting codes, which include athletics, rugby and soccer, where the organisation encourages members to keep fit and healthy.
‘Over and above that the organisation has a fitness policy in the SAPS that ensures operational members undergo fitness tests and assessments regularly,’ Mathe added.
Upon completing the ten-kilometre Peace Run, Patekile was all smiles and cheers when he crossed the finishing line after an hour and 24 minutes, reported News24.
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Despite being out of breath and somewhat unhappy with his race time, the provincial police chief said it was fun to be around the other runners.
‘It was actually a very nice race. I enjoyed it with the people. It was a nice run for peace,’ said Patekile. ‘My time… was very bad, I think. So, I will definitely start getting back to my running again.’
He said while they were participating in the race, others in the force were on high alert making sure the police in the Mother City are operationally ready to police the marathon and ensure the safety and security of participants and supporters.
‘Our members are already on the ground, heightening police visibility. We are here to ensure the race takes place in a safe and secure environment,’ said Patekile.
35-year-old Constable Siphamandla Mnguni, 35, stationed at Umbilo police station in KwaZulu-Natal, was the first male participant to cross the finish line at the event. He said he was thankful to his station commander for allowing him the opportunity to train and encouraged all police officers to stay active so that we can arrest more criminals.
The Sanlam Marathon and accompanying races are expected to last until Sunday, and motorists can expect many road closures in and around Cape Town on Sunday.
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