Super-fit Durban metro police officer Siphiwe Manzi is poised to push his mission of tackling criminals to new heights.
Speaking about his karate skills, the black belt holder warned on Tuesday that criminals who put up a fight with police officers were in for a painful shock.
The 26-year-old Manzi, who joined the police department in 1997 as an auxiliary constable and has since graduated to full constable, is known in the police service for his determination to go the extra mile in the fight against crime.
Thanks to his karate techniques, he has always been successful without having to use excessive force, a firearm or teargas.
"And that is not about to change - not now or ever," he said.
Manzi has been selected to take part in the New York Kings' championships following his victory in the national "Best of the Best" shodo kai kan tournament in Durban where he achieved the "best fighter" award.
But Manzi may not be able to attend the tournament in March 2003 because of financial constraints. He is desperate for a sponsor to pay for his air ticket, accommodation and fees to participating in the tournament.
"I am hoping that the (police) department will make a contribution because my karate skills come in handy in terms of combating crime, and I could teach other officers self-defence."
Manzi's karate skills were nurtured when, as a 13-year-old pupil in Umlazi, he took up kyokushin kai kan karate lessons to keep fit after he almost died from pneumonia.
"I was always interested in karate and was fascinated by the likes of Bruce Lee and I decided that one day I would become a top karateka."
Manzi has a string of trophies and medals.