SAPS welcomes nearly 5,000 new police officers
4,941 new police recruits will be deployed across South Africa just in time for the festive season.
CAPE TOWN - Nearly 5,000 new police officers are being welcomed to the South African Police Service across the country today.
In the Western Cape, over 1,000 officers, fresh from the police academy, are taking part in a Passing Out Parade in Philippi.
Parades are taking place in various provinces today.
4,941 new police recruits will be deployed across South Africa just in time for the festive season.
In Philippi, thousands of relatives and friends have come out in support of more than 1,000 new police officers who will be deployed in the Western Cape.
#SAPSparade pic.twitter.com/s3TqW8aIS4
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) December 15, 2016
#SAPSParade Similar parades are taking place across the country. Overall, 4941 new officers will be deployed across SA. @MoniqueMortlock pic.twitter.com/JOuMc6K0Dp
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) December 15, 2016
Deputy Police Minister Maggie Sotyu is attending the parade.
She says, “In addition to the law enforcement a police official may be called upon to perform duties as a first aider, social worker and councilor.”
Sotyu has highlighted the new 'Back to Basics' approach which encourages police officers to consistently and effectively perform basic policing duties.
(Edited by Neo Koza)