A learning spirit, discipline and a sense of courage are some of the qualities Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) recently graduated officers bring to the force.
About 392 trainees qualified as JMPD officers after a pass-out parade in October 2021. The officers completed two learning programmes, including traffic and police orientation.
Since then, they have been deployed to different regions, with some kicking off Operation Buya Mthetho in the inner city in a bid to curb crime and grime.
Kayla Wilson, 24, from Westbury, says she experienced crime in her community from an early age and knew she would like to pursue a career that would allow her to protect and serve her community.
“I grew up in a rough neighbourhood, so I witnessed crime from an early age, even shooting. I aimed to create change. I knew that to protect me and my family, I had to become a metro police officer,” says Wilson.
She matriculated in 2015 and volunteered as a traffic warden the following year. In 2017, she started training as a JMPD officer.
Wilson says the JMPD recruitment programme has allowed her to help residents as a law enforcement officer. “If people are in danger, I can help to the full extent of my capacity.”
“I bring discipline, respect, and understanding to the force. I will never turn someone away and always lend a helping hand. Whether I’m on or off duty, I always consider myself an officer,” says Wilson, whose dream is to join JMPD’s undercover unit.
Thapelo Matlou (31), originally from Joburg’s northern neighbour of Pretoria, says he abides by the law and loves being responsible. Joining the JMPD was a fitting choice. He worked at a bottle store after matric, and always knew he wanted to become a metro police officer.
“I wanted to enforce the law and be a breadwinner in our house,” says Matlou, a father of one son.
His journey in the JMPD has been good so far, he says, noting it has made him more focused in life. An animal lover, Matlou hopes to join the K9 unit someday.
Ntomfikile Sihlali (28) says besides her learning spirit, she also brings dedication to the force. The recruitment programme helped her realise where her passion lay, which is public relations. In the future, Sihlali hopes to join JMPD’s communication team.
She studied advertising and public relations at Boston College before joining the JMPD’s training programme in 2017.
Mduduzi Dlamini (26) is adamant that since joining the JMPD, he has become more disciplined, which is why he is grateful his brother-in-law suggested he join since he had the perfect demeanour and attitude for it.
“To be a metro police officer means you have integrity and courage. It’s an exceptionally good working atmosphere. Our main objective is to serve and protect,” says Dlamini with a smile.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
18/02/2022