Work ahead is demanding, says minister

ACTING Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, together with Deputy Ministers Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, welcomed more than 1,900 newly trained constables to the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at their passing out parade.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

The contingent of trainee constables have completed the Introductory Police Development Learning Programme (IPDLP) and now hold qualifications in criminology, policing, law, forensic investigation, and various other fields of study. They will be deployed to bolster crime-fighting efforts, especially at the 30 stations with the highest crime rates.

The ceremony took place simultaneously across the country.

A total of 222 officers at Bishop Lavis Academy in the Western Cape, 215 at Mthatha Academy in the Eastern Cape, 287 at Mankwe Academy in the North West, 201 at Moloto Academy in Mpumalanga, 145 at Ulundi Academy in KwaZulu-Natal, and 849 at Bisho in the Eastern Cape received their badges.