The formalisation of the relationship between the People’s Republic of China, the Fujian Police College and the City of Johannesburg could see a continuous training programme for the Metro Police.
This was revealed by the MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun during the closing ceremony of the two-week-long training programme held at the City of Johannesburg Council Chamber on 24 August. A Chinese delegation comprising of Fujian Police College’s vice president Zheng Xiaoqiang, representatives of the International Cooperation Bureau of China Ministry of Public Security, professors and lecturers of Police Tactics and SWAT instructors, facilitated the training of about 30 Metro officers.
Sun revealed that the Chinese government has extended its invitation for further training of officers. “There is an invitation to go to China or bring trainers into the country for further training. The relationship between the Chinese government and the City of Johannesburg is something that still needs to be formalised. We still need to discuss how to formalise it and we will inform residents thereafter.”
The Metro police received training in unarmed defence and control, fist attack and defence, actual confrontation training, teaching and training methods, leg attack and defence among other skills.
Despite the negative response the programme has received on social media, Sun said there were also more positive comments received. “I think one of the reasons others were negative about it is because people didn’t know that the whole programme was sponsored by the Chinese government and the City didn’t pay a cent. I want to thank the Chinese government for bringing the skills so that our officers can learn something different.
Furthermore, Sun said the training was important for the Metro officers to be equipped and better service the City. “They have also learned skills in using minimal force and technical skills to pin down a suspect in a case of emergency. They have learned something valuable not only to protect themselves but also to protect the residents of the City.”
The trained officers are expected to impart the learned skills to their colleagues. Acting head of the department and Chief of Metro Police David Tembe said it was important for officers to learn new skills and techniques from other countries to improve in their daily duties. “This was a 10-week programme. We are still going to evaluate the training received to date and decide on further training,” said Tembe.
The ceremony was sealed with the awarding of certificates to officers and the exchange of gifts.
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