Joburg's all-women bike squad
Lucky Sindane
26 July 2004
Wherever they go, wherever they park, people stop and stare at them - these are members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police's first women-only motorbike squad.
The Metro Police's special patrol squad, which has 23 women officers and 24 1150cc BMW motorbikes, was established in August 2003. Now, a year later, the official launch of the unit is being held - timed to coincide with Women's Day on 9 August.
"August is Women's Month, and we have invited the first lady of South Africa, Zanele Mbeki, to the launch", says Metro Police spokesperson Edna Mamonyane.
The single-sex squad forms part of a Metro Police programme to empower women.
"I'm very happy to be part of the squad", says officer Magadi Sebogodi. "It makes me feel good about my department."
Training has been rigorous, with members put through a gruelling physical regimen. "They had to start their physical training before they could get their learners' licences",
said Mamonyane.
But she has nothing but praise for their efforts. "They are very young, determined and enthusiastic."
The squad is only halfway through training, but progress has been noticeable. "They have only had two minor accidents", says Mamonyane. But when two male officers used bikes last year and one had an accident the bike was written off, she says.
"The reason why the management decided on bikes is because they are easy to maintain and easier to use, especially in traffic", says Mamonyane. "We are going to respond much quicker to hijacking and robbery calls."
The squad, which will specialise in VIP protection, will complete its training in August 2005. It will also participate in crime-prevention activities around Johannesburg.
"The ladies first appeared in public at the funerals of the Rev Frank Chikane's mother and former Sowetan editor Aggrey Klaaste, in Soweto", Mamonyane says. "People were really amazed to see them."
This is
the first motorcycle squad to be formed since Joburg's Metro Police was established in 2001. The bikes cost R3-million.
Training takes place at the unit's base at the Metro Police village in the inner city. Most of the practical sessions are held on the road in Allandale, where they control traffic between 6am and 9am.
The women feel very comfortable about their jobs - and about their status as role models.
"I really love my motorbike and the attention I get from people," says Lerato Mofokeng.
She says she had never been on a motorbike before joining the squad. When she saw an advert calling for applications to join a motorcycle unit, she rushed to submit her name.
Mofokeng loves the power of the machines. "When we take off at the robots, these bikes really move."
Sebogodi tells a similar tale: "The experience on motorbikes is overwhelming."
She says she is not scared of riding the powerful bike. "I just tell myself that life is
gambling and so I have to take the risk."
Source: City of Johannesburg
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