Martial arts medalist wants more women cops to train

Johannesburg – Constable Ennie Motsebe started to take an interest in martial arts less than eight months ago, but she’s already the proud owner of four medals she earned at a recent national tournament.

Motsebe believes female police officers should learn martial arts so they can protect themselves on the job.

She won the medals, three golds and a silver, at the SA Police Service’s national martial arts championship earlier this month.

“It felt great to be a part of it. I just started [martial arts] to protect myself.”

Motsebe, who lives in Lethabong township in Hartebeesfontein, is stationed at the Hartebeespoort police station.

Although her life has never been under threat since joining the police force in 2012, she maintains that women need to do more to learn how to protect themselves.

“I would like to encourage the ladies in the police service to protect themselves. Police officers are dying.”

The role of women in the police service was also constantly undermined, she said.

“Sometimes when we’re at work, people undermine a woman’s role. So I would like them to push themselves and [also] for our male colleagues not to undermine us.”

Motsebe began taking an interest in the sport in January. She trains with two other male colleagues whenever she has free time. Most times they meet and train in a hall in the area.

Upon her return from the tournament, which was from September 6 to 11, her family, colleagues and coach were all excited and proud of her achievements, she said.

“My colleagues were very happy, especially my relief commander, who supported me all the way. My family was also happy.”

The 37-year-old charge officer now has her sights set on earning her black belt.