Local Police officer and a sports star
One local Police officer continues jumping his way to success as he keeps winning in the sports field.
Constable Gladstone Shabangu (32) was crowned the, SAPS National Sports Man of the year in Sun city in January this year.
Shabangu joined the SAPS in 2012 and is currently stationed at the Maake Police Station under the Crime Prevention Unit.
The Nkowankowa Township born and bred officer says that he always excelled in any sporting code he participated in.
“My love for Athletics began in DZJ Mtebule Secondary School, where I was introduced to long jump by Edward Modlana, a former Gazankule Long and triple jump champion.
Before Athletics I participated in cricket and basketball, but my undying love for both long and triple jump began immediately when I was introduced to it,” said Shabangu.
Shabangu’s endless list of sporting achievements include; silver medal in long jump which he received in Lesotho, 2013 SAPS Sports Star of the year provincially and Gold medal at the Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisations Games (SARPCCO).
He has also competed against the South African long jump giant, Khosto Mokoena.
“I achieved more in long jump more than any sporting code,”added Shabangu.
He also expressed his love for his job and says that he has a passion for his job as it is his duty to make sure that the community stays protected and safe at all times.
“Shabangu is a very disciplined police officer, I’m not surprised by his sporting achievements as he is very disciplined even at his work.
He is able to manage his work and his sporting career and train himself for competitions which he participates in.
I wish other police officers could be disciplined and work hard like he does and as the Tzaneen Cluster we are proud of his achievements because he is also raising our flag,’ said Major Gen Maggy Mathebula, Tzaneen Cluster Commander.
Shabangu also added that he cannot wait to participate in the next Sarpcco competitions which will take place later in the year and is also looking for a sponsor for the upcoming competition.
For information regarding sponsorship you can contact him on 078 260 7753.
Also read:
