2000 police graduates to boost crime-fighting
21-DEC-08
By Bathandwa Mbola
More than 2000 police members graduated in Pretoria and will soon be deployed to police stations around South Africa to help tackle crime head-on.
The graduates, who have completed phase one of the police’s basic training and learning programme, held a passing out parade at the Pretoria West Training college.
Minister of Safety and Security, Nathi Mthethwa, attended the event and conducted an inspection of the parade.
He said the recruits formed part of a group of 5280 graduates who have in the past two weeks completed the training at South Africa Police Services (SAPS) Training Institutes in different provinces as part of an intensive recruitment and training programme.
The minister said he was pleased to see yet another contingent of young women and men making progress in their desire to contribute to the national effort to make South Africa safe.
He said it was even more pleasing to see so many young women among the graduates.
“The numerous women we see among the trainees make us feel an added sense of pride. The presence of a significant number of women trainees confirms the progress we continue to make, in the effort to realise the goal of non-sexism within the SAPS.”
He said the police service had women members in many of its expertise units, including the Special Task Force, the Bomb Disposal and Dog Units as well as women pilots. “All of whom are deeply committed to the task of ensuring the safety and security of the people of our land.”
The trainees will during the next 18 months serve under the supervision of trained field officers and experienced police officers to receive on-the-job training.
The minister said it was fitting that the members would be deployed during the festive season which was a busy period for the SAPS. “Our communities are awaiting your arrival, to work with you and share in your knowledge.”
He urged the new recruits to be careful while carrying out their duties and to wear their bullet proof vests, saying that their safety was of utmost importance.
Minister Mthethwa said the addition of the new recruits was evidence that the SAPS was committed to providing quality services to communities by ensuring police stations had the requisite capacity.
Since 2004 over 40 000 entry level Constables have been trained and recruited into the SAPS. By the end of next year, this figure is expected to increase to 193 000.
Deputy National Commissioner Magda Stander, who also addressed the graduates and their friends and family gathered at the parade, congratulated the trainees on successfully completing the first phase of the training.
“The people of South Africa and our visitors will be depending on you to ensure their safety and security. I wish you well in your career,” she said.
- BuaNews
