- Sergeant Matilda Kgope has been part of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department since 2008 and earned her sergeant promotion in 2012.
- She has built operational experience in road policing, ceremonial duties, drunk-driving enforcement and by-law coordination.
- Even after facing death threats during illegal trading operations in Rosslyn, she kept working and helped traders follow municipal rules.
As South Africa marks Women’s Month, the story of Sergeant Matilda K Kgope stands as a powerful example of resilience, leadership and unwavering public service within the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department.
At 48, Kgope is a single mother of three who has balanced family responsibilities with a demanding law enforcement career spanning almost two decades. Since joining the TMPD in 2008, she has built a reputation for dedication, professionalism and a strong commitment to lawful and community-centred policing.
A career built through operational experience
Kgope began her journey as a student constable at the Tshwane Leadership and Management Academy, commonly known as Premos. She was appointed as a constable in 2010 and went on to gain experience across several operational units.
Her service included road policing, the Ceremonial Unit and the Nurses Unit. Between 2017 and 2018, she supported drunk-driving enforcement operations, assisted with blood-drawing procedures and provided testimony in court when required.
This period gave her exposure to both the technical and legal dimensions of policing and strengthened her understanding of how enforcement actions must be supported by proper procedure and evidence.
Promotion and by-law coordination
In 2012, she was promoted to the rank of sergeant 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.
The role requires constant interaction with residents, businesses and informal traders, often placing officers at the centre of disputes involving public safety, access and municipal compliance.
Theresa Park complaint drew public attention
One of the incidents that brought public attention to Sergeant Kgope’s work occurred in September 2021 in Theresa Park, Pretoria North.
Community members reported that a man had planted vegetables on a public footpath, forcing pedestrians to walk around the plants and, in some instances, onto the roadway. The large quantity of vegetables, particularly cabbages, also obscured the visibility of a nearby stop sign. Kgope attended to the complaint, but the individual initially refused to cooperate with her instructions.
The matter was later resolved through the appropriate legal channels and attracted media attention. A Section 56 notice was issued, and the individual subsequently complied by paying the prescribed penalty.
Throughout the investigation and enforcement process, Sergeant Kgope and her team followed established legal procedures, ensuring that public safety and the orderly use of public space were restored.
Threats in Rosslyn did not stop her work
Her work has not been without personal risk. In 2024, while removing illegal trading stalls in Rosslyn, Sergeant Kgope was confronted with death threats. Despite the intimidation, she continued carrying out her duties and did not allow the threats to deter her from enforcing municipal by-laws.
The experience highlighted the challenges faced by officers involved in by-law enforcement, particularly when operations affect livelihoods and long-standing informal trading practices.
From enforcement to education
Following the Rosslyn incident, Sergeant Kgope intensified her focus on by-law coordination and community engagement. A significant part of her work now involves educating informal traders about the importance of registering their businesses with the municipality. She works closely with traders, guiding them through registration processes and helping many obtain valid trading licences.
This practical support has become part of her daily responsibilities and reflects an approach that combines enforcement with empowerment rather than punishment alone.
A people-centred approach to policing
Colleagues describe Sergeant Kgope as an officer who combines hands-on operational knowledge with a pragmatic and people-centred approach to policing.
Her work demonstrates that effective policing requires both firmness in applying the law and constructive partnerships with the communities officers serve. By promoting lawful and sustainable trading while maintaining public order, she seeks to protect public spaces without losing sight of the people who depend on those spaces for their livelihoods.
A Women’s Month example of leadership
As Women’s Month is celebrated across the country, Sergeant Kgope’s career highlights the important role women continue to play in law enforcement.
Her journey reflects resilience in the face of intimidation, leadership in operational policing and a commitment to serving both the law and the people of Tshwane. She represents a seasoned law enforcement professional whose work protects the community while also encouraging fellow female officers to perform their duties with confidence, integrity and respect for the law.
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