Polokwane – Ready to run a very long distance, 26-year-old Constable Anna Mapheto from Lephalale, Limpopo, will be one of the 449 police officers “running for the badge” in the Comrades Marathon on Sunday.
Constable Mapheto is attached to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Community Service Center, which is the first point of contact for the public.
Apart from taking part in the Comrades, during this Youth Month, Constable Mapheto will remain actively involved in handling complaints, opening case dockets, and responding to emergencies.
She plays a key role in supporting victims of crime and building trust with the community.
Maphato graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Molecular and Life Sciences at the University of Limpopo in 2021 and is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Forensic Sciences at the University of South Africa.
Constable Mapheto began her police career following her appointment on 3 October 2022 and went through police training at the Academy SAPS Umtata.
Constable Mapheto is intrigued with incorporating science when solving crimes and wishes to join the South African Police Service, Forensic Science Laboratories.
She is passionate about sports and advocates for good health and wellness.
Constable Mapheto said physical exercises help one cope in the tough SAPS environment.
She is, of course, a long-distance athlete, running for SAPS Limpopo Marathon Club.
“As a police officer, with this physically demanding job and a high-stress environment, running marathons keeps me physically and mentally fit to cope within the field of policing,” said Constable Mapheto.
“I encourage my other colleagues to stay active, as it boosts their health, relieves stress, and strengthens both body and mind, thus helping to build a healthy, safer, and secure community.”
In 2023, she participated in the Maroela Marathon and came second in the 10 km race in the Women’s Open category.
In the same year, Constable Mapheto ran in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, and again she came second in the 10km overall SAPS National Women Open category.
Because of her unwavering passion for the marathon, in 2024 she joined the Sanlam Marathon, going on to run a longer race of 42.2 km.
Constable Mapheto also participated in the Loskop Marathon 2025, a 50km marathon.
She is ready to make her mark on the Comrades Marathon at Durban in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, (8 June 2025).
This will be the 49th Down Run, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park, covering an approximate 89km distance.
*Compiled by: Sgt Tsietsi Lamola
