The South African Police Service (SAPS) has inducted 2 699 new constables into its ranks after passing out parades across the country on Thursday 12 December.
The newly qualified police constables successfully completed the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP), qualifying them to hit the ground running in support of Safer Festive Season Operations and general law enforcement obligations.
Of the 2 699 new constables, 2 060 graduated from the Tswhane Academy, 399 graduated from Bishop Lavis, 112 from Graaf-Reinet, and 128 from Ulundi. Of these, 1 344 are males and 1 355 females.
Speaking at a passing out parade at the SAPS Academy in Tshwane, National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, said, “the young men and women in blue passing out today form part of our 2024 BPDLP recruitment drive. It is worth noting that, parallel to this passing out parade are three other parades taking place today at Bishop Lavis Academy in the Western Cape province, Ulundi Academy in KwaZulu-Natal province, and Graaff-Reinet Academy in the Eastern Cape province.
“This tells us that this week, we are welcoming a considerable number of new Constables to our organisation. These new members are passing out after successfully completing the nine months long NQF level 5 BPDLP training and the first phase of Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) non-commissioned police official training, which is a NQF level 6 qualification.
“During the nine months since their arrival at our academy in April this year, the trainees were oriented on the SAPS in general and taken through the SAPS Code of Conduct, covering professional and ethical conduct. The trainees also underwent rigorous training in Law focusing on — to cite a few— the Criminal Procedure Act, the SAPS Act, and other related legislation such as the Constitution within the context of policing.
“Over the period of training, the trainees have also been equipped with critical skills required for the Community Service Centre, which is our most important point of contact between the police and our communities.
“Our new Constables have also been given the necessary insight into crime detection and were trained in understanding the elements of crime, statement-taking, and investigations across the spectrum.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the trainees have also been exposed to crime prevention and have received insight into sector policing, community policing, and partnership policing. One other learning area the trainees were exposed to is street survival and the use of firearms, where they were equipped with knowledge and skills relating to tactical policing and the use of firearms,” Masemola said.
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, addressing the Tshwane graduates, said, “we need to increase our visibility and that means more boots on the ground. Your deployment to police stations across the country comes at a crucial time, as we enter the busy festive season. It is at the grassroots level where you will make the most impact, fostering trust, ensuring safety, and maintaining law and order in our communities. You will be the first line of defence against crime, and your presence will bring hope and reassurance to the citizens you serve.
“We understand that the work ahead will not be easy. Policing is a demanding profession, and your wellbeing is important to us. As a Ministry, we are committed to reviewing and improving the conditions of service for our officers. We will continue working to ensure that you have the tools, resources, and conducive working environments needed to perform your duties effectively and efficiently.”
Mchunu also told graduates that there are high expectations of integrity and ethical conduct. “Let me be clear: there is no room for corruption within the South African Police Service. Any officer who chooses to betray this noble profession by engaging in corrupt activities will face the full might of the law.”