Sergeant Kgope honoured for resilience and service during Women’s Month

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) is recognising Sergeant Matilda Kenewang Kgope as part of its 2026 Women’s Month celebrations under the theme, “Empowered Women, Empower the Nation.”

Kgope, 48, has served the TMPD since 2008 and is a single mother of three who has balanced her family responsibilities with a demanding career in law enforcement.

She began her career as a student constable at the Tshwane Leadership and Management Academy (Premos) before being appointed as a constable in 2010.

Over the years, Kgope has gained experience in several operational units, including road policing, the Ceremonial Unit and the Nurses Unit.

Between 2017 and 2018, she supported drunk-driving enforcement operations, assisted with blood draws and provided testimony in court when required.

She was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2012 and assigned to Winternest Region 1, Sector 2, where she focused on by-law enforcement.

Her responsibilities include coordinating inspections, responding to by-law complaints and organising enforcement operations aimed at protecting public spaces and ensuring compliance with municipal regulations.

One of the cases that brought Kgope into the public spotlight occurred in September 2021, when residents of Theresa Park in Pretoria North reported that a man had planted vegetables on a public footpath.

The vegetables, including a large number of cabbages, obstructed pedestrians and affected visibility of a nearby stop sign.

Kgope attended to the complaint, but the individual initially refused to comply with her instructions.

The matter was subsequently handled through the appropriate legal channels. The individual was issued with a Section 56 notice and later paid the prescribed penalty.

The TMPD said Kgope and her team followed established legal procedures throughout the enforcement process, ensuring that public safety and the orderly use of public space were restored.

Her work has not been without challenges.

In 2024, Kgope faced death threats while removing illegal trading stalls in Rosslyn. Despite the threats, she remained committed to her duties and continued enforcing municipal by-laws.

She later redirected her focus towards by-law coordination and community engagement, particularly educating informal traders about the importance of registering their businesses with the municipality.

Since then, she has worked closely with informal traders, assisting them with municipal registration processes and helping many obtain valid trading licences.

The TMPD said her approach combines firm enforcement with constructive engagement with communities and informal traders.

“Her work exemplifies the balance between firm enforcement and constructive community partnership, an approach that enhances public safety while supporting local livelihoods,” the department said.

As the country marks Women’s Month, the TMPD said Sergeant Kgope represents resilience, leadership and dedicated public service.

Her career also highlights the role of women in law enforcement and the importance of empowering female officers to carry out their duties professionally while building stronger relationships with the communities they serve.