Acting Police Minister Prof Firoz Cachalia today welcomed 3 558 newly qualified police constables who completed their training at various South African Police Service (SAPS) academies in the country.
The passing out parades were conducted simultaneously at various police academies.
Of the total number, 2 036 constables are from the SAPS Academy in Tshwane.
Speaking at the Passing out Parade held at the SAPS Academy in Tshwane, Cachalia told the new constables that the uniform they are wearing is a symbol, a symbol of authority, but more importantly, a symbol of service, of integrity and of a sacred covenant with the people of South Africa.
“Today, you march out as a unified corps, bound by a common oath and shared purpose. You have been tested mentally, physically and ethically. You have learned the law, the power of restraint, the skill of investigation and the critical importance of communication,” Cachalia said.
Cachalia said the new constables are prepared for the immense responsibility that now rests upon their shoulders.
“The road ahead is not an easy one. The challenges facing our communities are complex. Your will encounter violence, poverty and despair. You are the living, breathing embodiment of the promise that, in South Africa, justice and order will prevail.
“The SAPS is entrusting you with its future. The people of South Africa are entrusting you with their safety. Do not let them down,” Cachalia said.
Cachalia told the new constables to always remember the SAPS Code of Conduct that they pledge to and to uphold the values of professionalism, saying "policing is a profession of the heart."
He urged the new constables to remain guided by the SAPS Code of Conduct and to uphold the values of professionalism and compassion, saying policing is “a profession of the heart”.
In his welcoming address, National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola told the new constables that the waiting is over they are now going to be active members of the SAPS.
“We take this opportunity to appreciate those who supported our trainees throughout the training period, essentially contributing to their achievement of this great accomplishment,” he said.
Gen Masemola said since their arrival at the academy, they were oriented on the SAPS in general and taken through the SAPS Code of Conduct covering professional and ethical conduct.
“We expect you to always be mindful of the SAPS Code of Conduct and our Constitutional Mandate as stipulated in Section 205 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. It is important to familiarise yourselves with the organisation's vision and mission which provide a strategic roadmap and clarify our purpose and values.
“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,” Gen Masemola said.
Earlier this week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said some of the new constables will be deployed at the Nasrec Expo Centre were the G20 Leaders Summit taking place this weekend. – SAnews.gov.za
