Metro Police Officer, Jonas Gomba is one of many frontline staff tasked with the dual responsibility of protecting communities from crime and COVID-19.
Superintendent Jonas Gomba has been with the City’s Safety and Security Directorate for 18 years.
The 44-year-old is one of many heroes on the frontline.
‘Working in an enforcement environment where you need to protect and serve and assist communities can be challenging and demanding. The COVID-19 pandemic has added an additional challenge in keeping safe and ensuring that residents are protected and adhering to the lockdown regulations. It’s also about dealing with your own fear and uncertainty while keeping yourself safe and protected against the virus in your working environment,’ said Superintendent Gomba.
Apart from his daily enforcement duties, Gomba also supervises his staff, particularly during vehicle check points, to ensure that they understand which regulations are in effect, but also that they are taking appropriate care of themselves.
He says that it is important to motivate staff during these challenging times.
The Superintendent hosts daily briefings regarding the operational plans for the day, followed by debriefings at the end of a shift to ensure that all staff are healthy and free of any injuries.
He also monitors and advises staff regarding COVID-19 related queries and to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols.
‘I know that I am taking the risk of being infected by being a frontline worker, but sanitising and social distancing have become an ingrained habit. On a personal level, motivation comes from my children – if I succeed as a frontline worker, by ensuring that the community adheres to the regulations, I minimise their risk.
‘Support from Senior Management and my staff’s willingness to assist where and when they are needed, also motivates me to keep going. The most difficult part of my function is to ensure that my staff stay calm during the uncertainty created by COVID-19 as this is an uncharted pathway for policing.
‘It worries me to see how many communities still do not realise the seriousness of this pandemic and how important social distancing, sanitising and the wearing a mask is. We will keep on working as a team and face the challenges together. All we ask is that communities assist us and adhere to the regulations,’ said Superintendent Gomba.
Thank you to our essential staff members!