Criminology graduate working as security guard at Police Dept: ‘We’re not recognised’

JOHANNESBURG - A Pretoria woman with an Honours Degree in Criminology has expressed frustration at working as a security guard despite being qualified for positions in the Police Department.

Idith Hlungwane is among dozens of unemployed law enforcement officers who protested in Pretoria on Thursday, demanding employment opportunities.

She works as a security guard at South African Police Services (SAPS) offices in Pretoria, where she hopes to receive a promotion and put her criminology degree to use.

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Hlungwane graduated at the top of her class from the University of South Africa (UNISA), obtaining her honour’s degree with a cum laude.

"I'm at SAPS as a security officer. I tried to apply and tried to engage the seniors but nothing is happening. It seems we are not recognised as graduates."

She said it's concerning that the Police Department seemingly prefers to hire unqualified individuals.

"There are many positions in SAPS. I can be a crime analyst, an investigator or whatever I qualify for. Even at SAPS, you will work as a security officer or a cleaner but you have qualifications."

She is among dozens of people who submitted their CVs at the Police Department’s head office on Thursday, hoping to be recruited to the service.