GARDEN ROUTE NEWS  -  The Garden Route District is currently hosting the annual Police National Practical Pistol Championship at the On Target Shooting Range outside George from Tuesday to Thursday, 3 to 5 February.

The championship officially got under way with a formal opening ceremony during which the district police commissioner, Major General Phumzile Cetyana, welcomed all the participants from several provinces across the country. 

He also fired the first shot, officially opening the shooting range for the competition.

Altogether 140 police officers took part in the three-day championship. 

Unlike traditional target shooting, practical pistol shooting requires competitors to move continuously while engaging targets from sometimes awkward positions and always against the clock.

The competition was held at the On Target Shooting Range. Photo: Jeff Ayliffe

The participants are scored on accuracy, power and speed, with ‘power’ referring to the calibre of ammunition used. 

The members compete in several categories throughout the championship.

The event concluded with an award ceremony recognising top performances across the various categories. 

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