More than traffic fines: Inside the life of a JMPD cop

They are a constant presence in a city that rarely slows down.

We often see them at gridlocked robots during rush hour or at accident scenes late at night.

Walking the streets or driving in their orange, blue and white 'cop cars', the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) is tasked with helping make the City of Joburg safer.

Their remit? Traffic enforcement, by-law enforcement and crime prevention across the metro.

But what is it really like to wear the badge of a JMPD officer?

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Christel Tsoku has served as an officer for seven years. She describes the job as challenging and exciting.

"As a woman, already that's a challenge. You get a lot of different people with different personalities, different cultural backgrounds."

Tsoku admits that not everyone is always pleased to see her.

"Without mentioning cultures, you get certain people, when I stop them, they would be like, no, you're not going to tell me, I'm not going to hear from a woman."

She credits the training she received at the academy with preparing her to deal with all sorts of people and situations.

Rolly Mokgope has worn the JMPD uniform for 11 years. He explains that the badge carries far more responsibility than many people realise.

"If ever a motorist does not acknowledge the law, it is challenging, because, remember, we are enforcing the law. This law was implemented by the people, and the people are the government."

To listen to Tsoku and Mokgope in conversation with 702's Clement Manyathela, use the audio player below: