1,812 newly-trained police constables add boots on the ground
The Deputy Minister of Police addressed 778 newly-qualified constables at the Bhisho SAPS Academy, as the police held six parallel passing-out parades on October 4.
THE DEPUTY Minister of Police, Polly Boshielo, has welcomed 1,812 newly-trained police constables into the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
These constables are part of a larger cohort of 4,500 trainees who began their training in April 2024. They are the first group to graduate from the 2024/25 police training programme after completing a six-month Introductory Police Learning Development Programme (IPLDP).
On Friday they participated in parades at various SAPS academies across the country, including Bhisho, Mthatha, Bishop Lavis, Mankwe, Moloto, and Graaff-Reinet. Each graduate holds at least an NQF level 6 qualification and was selected through a rigorous recruitment process.
The graduates come from diverse academic backgrounds, including law, policing, forensic science, information technology, public management, and other fields. The Bhisho SAPS academy hosted the largest parade, with 779 constables taking part, officiated by Deputy Minister Boshielo.
The deputy minister emphasised the government's commitment to increasing the presence of officers on the ground to strengthen police stations and all SAPS service points, thereby enhancing police visibility throughout the country.
“It is important to note that these new constables, whom we take pride in, are the first batch of our 2024 Project 10,000 police recruitment drive, an initiative spurred by a call from President Cyril Ramaphosa to capacitate the SAPS,” said Boshielo.
“The training of these new constables is part of our government’s efforts to strengthen the SAPS and enhance police visibility in all communities as we move with speed to advance our crime-fighting initiatives. The second batch of our 2024 Project 10,000 police recruitment drive is currently undergoing their training and will have their pass-out parades in December.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that South Africa achieves the United Nations recommendation of one police officer for every 220 people.”
Boshielo said that the deployment of these constables is essential for enhancing the SAPS's ability to combat crime, respond to emerging crime trends, and address ongoing challenges.
As they begin their practical duties, especially during the upcoming festive season, the SAPS has urged the new members to remain vigilant and tactically alert at all times.