Police officer bags gold at international combat rifle champs

Cape Town – Worcester SAPS station manager, Captain Ronelle Alberts, has clinched gold at the recent international combat rifle championships.

De Brug rifle range in Bloemfontein played host to the National Combat Rifle Competition from August 8 - 13, which saw the inclusion of the female competitor as a member of the national team, police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said.

“Alberts (47) stationed as a sector manager in the picturesque town of Worcester in the Boland, attended the competition with 18 years of experience in combat shooting.

“The contestants were exposed to extreme weather conditions and intense competition, where males and females were treated equally. The competition is marked by extreme testing of fitness levels, concentration, accuracy, camaraderie and faith,” Swartbooi said.

According to Swartbooi, Alberts stayed calm and focused throughout the strenuous competition, ensuring that she obtained a good score, despite some minor challenges that could have had an impact on the final results.

“Her courage and dedication were rewarded when she was decorated with a number of medals which ultimately paved the way for her being the recipient of a gold medal for her participation, and inclusion as a member of the Combat Rifle National team on August 12 at a Gala event at Bobby’s Park in Bloemfontein.”

Alberts experienced her first international competition the following day, where she emerged victorious and secured gold after competing against the national team of the Netherlands.

“The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile has commended Captain Ronelle Alberts for being an ambassador for the South African Police Service after her remarkable achievement as a Combat Rifle Champion and gold medalist,” Swartbooi said.

Cape Times