SAPU congratulates 3558 new constables at passing out parade

The South African Policing Union (SAPU) has congratulated the 3558 Constables who have completed their basic training in policing and are standing on the parade ground. The event is happening on Friday. SAPU spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale said the achievement marks the culmination of a journey that required sacrifice and resilience.

“The South African Policing Union takes this time to acknowledge, honor and congratulate the 3558 Constables who completed their basic training in policing and are standing on the parade ground on this day,” Thobakgale said.

He added that the passing out parade takes place a day before the G20 summit, an event that brings world leaders together to discuss and make commitments on various issues, and will be remembered in history.

Thobakgale highlighted the challenges faced by the South African Police Service over the years, including losing members through natural attrition, resignations and attacks on officers.

“Today marks another new leaf where the organization is receiving this number of police officers who will ensure that they add value to the policing family, and who will be holding a responsibility of carrying a Constitutional mandate which is to serve and protect the inhabitants of the Republic and their property,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the new Constables for answering the call to serve as police officers. “We want to pass gratitude to the new Constables that they have been bold to answer to a call of joining SAPS as police officers, and to also remind them of the oath that they will be taking today as they serve communities; they must do it without any form of reproach,” Thobakgale said.

He cautioned the new officers that policing on the ground comes with challenges, including attacks and killings. “They must at all times remember to exercise their training and use force when it is necessary within the parameters of the law and not to die with their tools of trade on them, to protect their lives and that of the citizenry,” he said.

He also celebrated the role of families in supporting the new officers. “We wish the 3558 Constables well in their career and as they are joined by their families who stand to witness proud moments of one of their own becoming a police officer, SAPU celebrates with each and every family of the newly appointed members,” Thobakgale said.

Thobakgale concluded by wishing the Safety and Security Sector well as it prepares to manage security for the G20 summit. He said that with collaboration, success in policing the event is guaranteed.