New cops on the beat

JOBURG – The best of the best were singled out during the Metro police officers' graduation ceremony after 18 months of intensive training.

May 18, 2017

Chantelle Fourie 1 minute read

The City of Johannesburg’s Metro police is now 117 members stronger.

This after hopefuls from all corners of Joburg and beyond underwent 18 months of intensive training to finally become officers of the law.

Officer Sibusiso Nxumalo leads the graduating Metro police officers’ drill.

The graduation ceremony was held not only to congratulate the new officers, but to award some of their peers with outstanding achievements. Among these were Officer Mama Mabatla, who is the first woman to receive the Best Shooter award. Her colleague, Officer Kwati Oninca Monageng won the Best Overall Performer both Academically and in Good Conduct.

Officers at their Metro police graduation ceremony on 17 May.

Michael Sun, MMC for the Department of Public Safety, which oversees the of Metro police department, told the graduates that he expects them to be faced with dangerous situations and that they and their families will sacrifice a lot and that he would be behind them all the way. “Residents need your protection and service,” he told them.

The City’s Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba, said residents look to Metro police officers to maintain public order, enforce the law and ensure that criminals are brought to justice. He said that even though many citizens have lost trust in law enforcers, like the Metro police, the graduates should follow the example set by long-serving members like Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar and Superintendent Edna Mamonyane, who, 30 years later, still serve the City.

Officers parade after the graduation ceremony officially announcing them as Metro police officers.

“I will not lie to you, the task ahead will seem overwhelming at times. For this alone, I want you to know that the City appreciates the work you are about to do. For this, you are our residents’ heroes,” Mashaba said.

The officers graduated soon after 1 500 Metro police vacancies were opened at the end of April. Shortly after, 65 000 applications for these positions were received by the Public Safety Department.