More than 2 000 new SAPS recruits will be deployed to various police stations across South Africa, particularly during the festive season.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu made this announcement during the graduation ceremony of newly trained police constables at the Tshwane Training Academy.
The new recruits have undergone the basic police development learning programme since April 2024.
He said their deployment comes at a crucial time, as the country enters the busy festive season and will be the first line of defence against crime, bringing hope and reassurance to the communities they serve.
Mchunu 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.”
He stressed to the graduates that their duty is to serve the people of South Africa with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
“The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa tasks the police with a solemn responsibility to uphold and protect the rights of all citizens. Among these rights is the right to life, one of the most sacred and non-derogable rights enshrined in our Constitution. This is not just a job; it is a mission to safeguard the very foundation of our democracy,” he said.
The new constables were greeted with loud applause as they stepped onto the field to parade and receive their marching orders from the minister.
The minister also reminded the new constables that policing is a demanding profession and assured them that the department is committed to reviewing and improving their conditions of service.
He encouraged them to wear their SAPS uniform with pride and dignity, and to always do what is right, even when no one is watching.
“We will continue working to ensure that you have the tools, resources, and conducive working environments needed to perform your duties effectively and efficiently,” he said.
Pretoria News