Number of 3 701 ‘a force multiplier’

THE South African Police Service (SAPS) held three passing-out parades for 3 701 newly trained police officers at its Tshwane Training Academy in Gauteng, the Bisho Academy in the Eastern Cape and the Oudtshoorn Academy in the Western Cape in the last week.

Of all the cadets, 2 370 are male while 1 331 are women. A total of 2 445 newly trained police officers graduated from the Pretoria-based academy, while 825 graduated from the Bisho Academy, and 431 graduated from the Oudtshoorn Academy.

The SAPS said the new officers were “a force multiplier”, as they were being deployed across the country in time for the busy festive season.

“You will join the other SAPS members to ensure South Africa enjoys a safe and peaceful festive season. Always remember to be vigilant and abide by the basic safety rules and regulations, as your safety is of the utmost importance,” SAPS national commissioner LieutenantGeneral Khehla Sitole said.

“Thank you in advance for the selfless service you are going to render to the communities and for sacrificing family time to make South Africa safe,” he said.

Police Minister Bheki Cele encouraged the new recruits to be upstanding officers in their communities and continue to fight against gender-based violence.

Police said competent candidates had undergone “a strict selection process”. |