The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has made an outstanding return to the National Metropolitan Police Games after a 7-year sporting hiatus, proving that it is still a dominant force both on the field and in the city streets.

With a strong showing across multiple sporting disciplines, the JMPD has set the stage for a year of well-earned bragging rights, showcasing exceptional performances in volleyball, tennis, soccer, cycling, netball, aerobics, athletics, shooting, and darts.

The Walter Sisulu Sports Complex in Randburg has been buzzing with excitement, with police officers from across the country’s metropolitan police departments coming together to compete in an array of events that foster not only a spirit of competition but also unity, teamwork, and resilience.

The netball competition at the games provided one of the most thrilling moments. The JMPD netball team fought fiercely against their longstanding rivals, the DMPD, in a tightly contested knockout match. Although the JMPD netballers lost the initial showdown, scoring 12 points against the DMPD’s 16, the team quickly regrouped, showing their fighting spirit in the next match. In an impressive display of skill and coordination, the JMPD stormed back with a convincing 23-point victory against TMPD’s 12 points, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with on the netball court.

“This comeback reflects not just the team’s tenacity but their ability to quickly adapt and overcome challenges, a trait that defines the JMPD in their everyday work protecting the streets of Johannesburg,” says Superintendent Xolani Fihla, spokesperson for the JMPD.

The volleyball courts saw equally intense battles, with both the male and female JMPD teams pushing themselves to the limits. The male volleyball team narrowly missed victory against TMPD, while the female volleyball team lost by just 2 points.

“Despite these narrow losses, the volleyball teams’ performances showcased the department’s resilience, agility, and sportsmanship,” Fihla adds.

In the darts competition, the JMPD team displayed incredible precision and mental focus, though they faced tough competition from the EMPD. The final score saw the JMPD secure 3 points, while the EMPD triumphed with 8 points. Despite the outcome, the JMPD players remained undeterred, demonstrating the department’s commitment to self-improvement and the pursuit of excellence.

In one of the most thrilling events, JMPD’s Thabiso Makhetha emerged as the champion of the 4km hill climbing time trials. Makhetha delivered a stellar performance with a lap time of 7 minutes, 6 seconds, clinching the top spot and earning 24 points for the JMPD cycling team. His victory was no small feat, considering the stiff competition from the likes of TMPD’s Johannes Holder, who finished second with a time of 7 minutes 34 seconds, and DMPD’s Jason Mangogos, who placed third with 7 minutes 38 seconds.

The JMPD team showcased not only individual excellence but also impressive overall performance, securing several key positions, including 8th, 10th, 12th, 15th, and 18th place finishes out of 24 competitors. This strong showing is a testament to the department’s rigorous physical training and mental endurance, attributes that are as vital in the field of law enforcement as they are in competitive sports.

The soccer field was another area where the JMPD teams shone brightly. In the women’s soccer category, the elite female officers showcased their skill, teamwork, and determination, securing an emphatic 4-1 victory against TMPD. On the men’s side, the JMPD gents mirrored their female counterparts’ success, winning by a narrow margin of 1-0 once again against the TMPD.

The National Metropolitan Police Games are about much more than just athletic achievement. According to Public Safety MMC, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, these games serve as a powerful platform to nurture unity, resilience, and mutual respect among the country’s metropolitan police forces. The camaraderie and spirit of friendly competition help strengthen bonds between officers, making the games an essential part of building a more cohesive and motivated law enforcement community.

Dr. Tshwaku emphasised that the JMPD’s success at these games, particularly their achievements at the Cradle of Humankind, are a powerful reminder of the department’s unwavering commitment to discipline, teamwork, and excellence. “These traits are essential not only on the sports field but in the everyday work that the JMPD does to ensure the safety and security of Johannesburg’s residents.”

With their impressive showing at these games, the JMPD has not only reaffirmed its position as a dominant force in the world of metropolitan police sports but also demonstrated the values that make them such a vital part of Joburg’s community.

“The combination of discipline, teamwork, and resilience that the officers exhibit on the sports field is mirrored in the dedication and commitment they bring to their work in protecting the people of Johannesburg,” Fihla says.