The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed 3 558 newly trained constables to its ranks following simultaneous passing out parades held at various academies across the country.
Acting Police Minister Prof Feroz Cachalia, alongside Deputy Ministers Dr Polly Boshielo and Mr Cassel Mathale, officiated at the ceremonies designed to bolster policing capacity ahead of the festive season.
The largest parade took place at SAPS Academy Tshwane in Gauteng, where 2 036 graduates were welcomed by Minister Cachalia and National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
The new constables, who formed part of the February 2025 intake, successfully completed the rigorous nine-month Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP). Their training encompassed street survival techniques, law, physical conditioning, and drill exercises to prepare them for the challenges of modern policing.
The graduates will be deployed to police stations nationwide to strengthen grassroots policing efforts during the busy holiday period.
Call for Integrity
In his address to the new officers, Minister Cachalia emphasised the importance of adhering to the SAPS Code of Conduct and resisting corruption.
“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,” Cachalia said. “It is the quiet discipline of choosing right over wrong, even when the wrong choice seems easier, quicker, and more convenient.”
The minister described policing as “a profession of the heart” that demands courage in the face of danger and resilience when confronting trauma.
General Masemola congratulated the new constables on their achievement whilst reminding them of their constitutional responsibilities.
“We urge you to exercise the powers conferred upon you in a responsible and controlled manner,” he said. “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.”
The National Commissioner warned against abuse of power, specifically cautioning against collusion with criminals or participation in corrupt activities.
Academy Breakdown
The 3,558 graduates passed out from five academies:
- SAPS Academy Tshwane, Gauteng: 2 036
- Oudtshoorn Academy, Western Cape: 445
- Philippi Academy, Western Cape: 423
- Graaff-Reinet Academy, Eastern Cape: 339
- Bishop Lavis Academy, Western Cape: 315
You must be logged in to post a comment.