Brakpan police joined forces with fellow East Rand stations at a fun run/walk hosted by Springs SAPS on September 17, where officers from across the region, including KwaThema and Germiston, took part.

The event saw participants tackle 5km and 10km routes at the Springs Mine and Military Museum. Over 90 police officers participated in the scorching outdoor activity, with Polmed present in case of emergency.

Gauteng Traffic Warden Tshegofatso Mathabatha of Springs won the men’s 5km race, followed by this year’s Comrades Marathon runner Captain Sagathavan Pather.

Mathabatha said the weather was his biggest challenge in the race, as they ran in the afternoon. He did not have enough time to practise properly for the event, due to work, but was glad to win.

“The race was fun. We did not encounter any challenges along the way besides sore knees. Such races are important for our mental health as officers who work with the community,” said Mathabatha.

He used the race to relax and destress from work, and by focusing on himself, he was able to enjoy it. The Springs SAPS hosted a similar event in February, where Mathabatha took second place. He said at the previous race he did not know the route and got lost, but still finished in the top three.

Springs SAPS sector manager Constable Roselina Shabu was the leading woman in the 5km race. She said she does not participate in any social running clubs, but does it for work. She also said the organisers had a well-organised trail.

It had cones along the way. However, it was challenging for her, as it had hills. It was Shabu’s second race, as she also participated in the February race.

“I did not practise for this. I made sure I did not stop in the race, and if I felt tired, I walked faster. I tracked myself with someone in front of me so they didn’t leave a gap, and the one behind me could not catch me,” said Shabu.

She shared that events like these should be balanced with work, adding that they should be held regularly and made mandatory for the officers to relax with fellow officers.

Lieutenant Colonel Mandi Davel was part of the event’s organising team and tracked the officers during the races. She told the publication that the main reason for the event was that the station has a sports club, and running and walking are part of the club’s way to keep the members fit and active.

She said the members enjoy such events. “Physical fitness in the SAPS is important because it helps us mentally and physically. It helps the officers to relieve work-related stress.”

Davel also said they had aimed to hold the events monthly, but due to the members’ heavy workloads, they will now try to host them quarterly.

Winners of the 10km races:

• Men: Warrant Officer Molefe Mothabo from Benoni SAPS
• Women: Baratang Mokoena of Ria Hamba Hiking Club.