Top brass members of the SAPS took part in the 21.1km half-marathon SAPS National Championship in Bloemfontein on Saturday in order to qualify for next year’s Comrades Marathon.
The half-marathon, powered by the South African Police Medical Scheme (Polmed), aimed to prioritise the mental and physical well-being of the police force, especially as members have been been exposed to grim and traumatic cases.
According to the SAPS, the marathon served as an encouragement to police officers to keep fit and healthy.
“Keeping fit is an inherent requirement for all police officers and that is why we encourage fitness in the organisation. Every week, members are allocated time to exercise to ensure our police officers are always ready to pursue criminals,” SAPS said.
It said the police were a beacon of hope in communities, therefore it was imperative that they keep active and healthy.
The SAPS thanked Polmed for its support in advocating employee health and wellness among the members in blue. “Polmed ensures our law enforcement heroes receive top-notch medical support, keeping them healthy and strong to protect and serve our communities,” it said.
The police marathon aligned with Constable Reanolder Nsuku Mathonsi, who became the first woman SAPS runner to finish this year’s Comrades Marathon, completing the race in nine hours 10 minutes and 18 seconds (09:10:18), which earned her the Robert Mtshali medal.
Born in Giyani, Limpopo, Mathonsi is an operator of the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit and has represented the SAPS in many marathon races.
The POP Unit members are responsible for maintaining public order and policing public gatherings. They are trained in operational tactics and techniques, specifically designed to manage crowds.
“My love for running developed while undergoing the Basic Police Development Learning Programme. I have since been a member of the SAPS Limpopo Marathon Club. As a police officer, I find fulfilment in keeping my community safe. So, I suit up, badge up, and get out there every day – restoring peace is the name of our game,” she said.
Mathonsi emphasised that maintaining mental and physical fitness was essential for the police force’s productivity.
The Star