Police swap uniforms for bicycles for charity
Police officers from all nine provinces, plus a team from head office, recently grabbed their bicycles to ride for a good cause on the West Rand.
Between 80 and 100 police officers from all nine provinces in South Africa swapped their uniforms for cycling gear for the annual Police National Road Cycling Championships held on the West Rand recently.
Cyclists assembled at Lesego Primary School with Riverstone Lodge in Muldersdrift being the starting point. The route was a tough 82km, with cyclists eventually finishing at Riverstone Lodge. There were various categories to choose from.
Constable Lucky Matome, Tarlton Police’s spokesperson explained, “This was the event’s 20th anniversary. This time around, Gauteng, specifically the West Rand was lucky enough to be the host. The purpose of this particular race was to give back to underprivileged communities, which is why the Fhulufelo Children’s Centre in Munsieville was chosen as beneficiary. Members made donations out of their own pockets.
Besides giving back, the Police is also an organisation that encourages members to participate in sports.”
Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police’s spokesperson also attended and said two white-boards were donated to the centre, which is focused on children and women. The gifts were well received and Ma Bettie, the driving force behind Fhulufhelo, indicated that they will be used to teach women and children to write.
Brigadier Leon Kruger, deputy commander of the West Rand Cluster, said, “This is an investment in our youth, our leaders of tomorrow. It is our duty to uplift those who are less privileged.”
A group of scholars also entertained the guests with a play and then the entire group sang the FCS song, I am special. Guests and children were treated to refreshments.
Constable Matome added that the event was extremely exciting and successful.
The Krugersdorp News, the Herald’s sister newspaper, reported earlier that Peter Phala had walked away with the title of number one police cyclist in Gauteng. He also finished second in the country, behind Donovan O’Reilly from the Eastern Cape, who won the overall gold medal.
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