Cele: Make criminals sweat
POLICE Minister Bheki Cele expects the new crop of SAPS graduates to be the last people standing after every engagement with criminals.
Cele made his remarks after he welcomed 5 042 new police constables to the SAPS on their graduation.
Thousands of people travelled from various parts of the country to witness the young men and women tasked to take up their places in the battle against crime.
Cele held nothing back in encouraging the men and women in blue to spread terror in the lives of criminals.
“When you engage with criminals, the last person left standing must be the officer. They must sweat and stress knowing the SAPS is now 5 000 officers stronger. Criminals must not have peace; give them sleepless nights.”
The new officers get straight to work, joining the thousands of SAPS members who will not be taking leave this festive season.
Cele said all members of the police would rest once the festive season was over and people were safe from opportunistic criminals.
“Constables, your pass-out parade takes place as the SAPS embarks on its annual Safer Festive Season Campaign,” he told them during the graduation ceremony on Friday.
“Yes, we will turn the tide against crime with all of you on-board. Constables, as you pass out today, I want you to hit the ground running.
“Go out there and work in teams to ensure that the season is festive for all South Africans and remains that way.
“We want to see you visible on the streets, all public areas, at sporting events, concerts and parks, malls.
“You are being given marching orders to serve and protect without fear or favour,” Cele said.