By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed 552 newly trained Constable’s within its ranks.
These members form part of the cohort of 10 000 police officers that have already been deployed to stations since December 2022.
According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, 245 of them are Bachelor of Science (Bsc) graduates and the majority of them have already been placed within different disciplines within the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) division to serve as Forensic Analysts.
“As Forensic Analysts they will be responsible for analysis of forensic evidence that is utilised in court to secure lengthy convictions for those found to be on the wrong side of the law.
“Others including reservists that are now fully fledged Constables will be deployed to stations to capacitate grass roots level of policing.
“Today’s passing out parades took place simultaneously at various SAPS academies in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape where the leadership of the SAPS led by Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele and the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale presided over proceedings,” said Mathe.
There are currently 8600 trainees in SAPS academies currently undergoing the Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BPLDP).
An additional 400 will commence training in July and the remaining 1000 will commence training in January 2024.
The recruitment and training of 10 000 police officers for the 2024/2025 financial year is set to commence in July 2023.
“Applications will be open to young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30, in possession of a senior certificate, with no criminal record. Those who are successful will commence training in April 2024,” Mathe said.