By Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
SAPS Spokesperson
The South African Police Service held its large-scale passing out parades simultaneously at various academies for the 3 558 newly trained constables to bolster policing ahead of the festive season.
Newly-graduated police officers going through their paces at the pass out parade
Acting Minister of police Professor Firoz Cachalia and General Fannie Masemola at the pass out parade
The Acting Police Minister, Prof Feroz Cachalia, together with Deputy Ministers, Dr Polly Boshielo and Mr Cassel Mathale, welcomed newly trained constables at various academies to the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola joined Minister Cachalia who officiated at the largest parade comprising of 2 036 graduates at SAPS Academy Tshwane.
The young men and women in blue passing out today form part of the February 2025 intake and successfully completed the nine-month Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP).
The graduates have undergone rigorous training, including street survival, law, physical training, and drill, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle the challenges of modern policing.
The constables will be deployed to various police stations across the country, to capacitate grassroots-level of policing and bolster crime-fighting efforts lead-up to the busy festive season.
In his address, the Minister Cachalia urged the members on parade to abide by the SAPS Code of Conduct and resist corruption as well as to serve the people with pride.
“The Code of Conduct reminds us that we serve with integrity.
Integrity is not what we display when we are being watched; it is what we uphold when no one else is looking.
It is the quiet discipline of choosing right over wrong, even when the wrong choice seems easier, quicker, and more convenient”.
He also added that policing is a profession of the heart that always demands courage in the face of danger, as well as resilience in the face of trauma.
General Masemola has delivered his welcoming address, marking the transition from trainees to active members of the SAPS.
He congratulated trainee constables on their achievement and hard work after completing their training.
He also reminded them of their constitutional responsibility to serve with integrity, protect the citizens, and uphold the rule of law.
“We urge you to exercise the powers conferred upon you in a responsible and controlled manner.
Use your power to take care of communities that you will be deployed to and collaborate with them to prevent and combat crime, and to bring perpetrators of crime to justice.
Do not abuse your power as a member of the SAPS by colluding with criminals or participating in any kind of corrupt activities”, he explains
A total of 3 558 trainee constables passed out at various academies, SAPS Academy Tshwane in Gauteng (2 036), Bishop Lavis Academy in the Western Cape (315) , 339 Graaff-Reinet Academy in the Eastern Cape (339), Oudtshoorn Academy in the Western Cape (445), and Philippi Academy in the Western Cape (423).
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