CAPE TOWN – The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has on behalf of the organisation wished 620 police officers taking part in the 42.2 KM Sanlam Cape Town Marathon well.

As a build up to the much anticipated race on Sunday, the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile led 154 men and women in blue from various police stations and units in the country in the warm-up 10km race on Saturday morning.

General Masemola says SAPS remains committed in promoting fitness and wellness amongst its employees. He says taking part in marathons, is another way of ensuring police officers stay physically fit to respond to the call of duty.

‘We have really intensified our efforts to promote fitness and wellness in the organisation. We have a fitness policy in the police which amongst others ensures that we allocate 2 and a half hours to every police officer a week to be allowed to train and go to gym. We have signed a memorandum of agreement with Virgin Act
ive and Planet Fitness where members get 20% off their monthly membership fee. We need physically fit members to run and catch criminals. A BIG THANK YOU TO POLMED FOR TAKING CARE OF THE NEEDS OF OUR MEMBERS’, said Gen Fannie Masemola.

The SAPS has 21 sporting codes which includes athletics, rugby and soccer where the organisation encourages members to keep fit and healthy.

The Provincial Commissioner of WC, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile says the men and women in blue are operationally ready to police the event to ensure the safety and security of participants and supporters.

‘Our members are already on the ground heightening police visibility. We are here to ensure the race takes place in a safe and secure environment ‘, said Lt Gen Patekile.

To this year’s participants, all the men and women in blue are behind you all the way, GOODLUCK AND ALL THE BEST!

Source: South African Police Service