Pretoria: Acting Police Minister Prof Firoz Cachalia today welcomed 3,558 newly qualified police constables who have completed their training at various South African Police Service (SAPS) academies across the country.
According to South African Government News Agency, the passing out parades were conducted simultaneously at multiple police academies, with 2,036 constables graduating from the SAPS Academy in Tshwane. Addressing the new constables at the parade held in Tshwane, Cachalia emphasized that the uniform they now wear symbolizes authority, service, integrity, and a sacred covenant with the people of South Africa.
Cachalia stated that the newly minted constables have been mentally, physically, and ethically tested, learning essential skills such as law enforcement, investigation, and communication. He reminded them of the immense responsibility they now carry, underscoring the complex challenges they will face, including violence, poverty, and despair.
Cachalia urged the new officers to remain committed to the SAPS Code of Conduct, emphasizing professionalism and compassion in their duties. He described policing as "a profession of the heart" and encouraged them to uphold the values they pledged to during their training.
National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola also addressed the new constables, acknowledging those who supported the trainees throughout their training. He reminded them of their orientation on the SAPS Code of Conduct and the Constitutional Mandate as stipulated in Section 205 of the South African Constitution.
General Masemola highlighted the importance of familiarizing themselves with the SAPS vision and mission, which provide a strategic roadmap and clarify their purpose and values. He encouraged the constables to use their conferred powers responsibly, to safeguard the communities they will serve, and to collaborate in preventing and combating crime.
Earlier in the week, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), announced that some of the new constables would be deployed at the Nasrec Expo Centre for the G20 Leaders Summit taking place this weekend.