Pretoria: In an initiative to enhance its crime-fighting capabilities, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully trained and deployed over 20,000 new constables across various units in the country over the past three years. This effort aims to strengthen policing measures and improve public safety.
According to South African Government News Agency, during a media briefing in Pretoria, National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, updated on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations. He noted that in mid-December last year, 2,699 newly trained constables joined the force, contributing significantly to crime combatting operations to ensure the safety and security of communities, holidaymakers, and tourists.
Masemola highlighted the increased police visibility and enhanced crime-fighting efforts in identified hotspots across the country, including malls and beaches. During the festive season, law enforcement arrested 244,951 individuals for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault, illegal possession of firearms, drug dealing, driving under the influence, and illegal entry into the country.
The SAPS safer festive season operations ran from 11 October 2024 to 31 January 2025. Masemola announced plans to welcome an additional 5,500 new police trainees into SAPS academies. These recruits will undergo the Basic Police Learning Development Programme, with training durations varying based on their educational qualifications.
Masemola also addressed the issue of police killings, reporting that nine on-duty and 12 off-duty officers were killed from October last year to date. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to combat this crime, which is now categorized as a national priority offence investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS). During the festive period, thirty individuals responsible for killing police officers were arrested, with seven convicted and sentenced to 22 life terms and an additional 725 years imprisonment.
The government, Masemola stated, continues to ensure officers are operationally ready through relevant training and provision of necessary resources, including protective gear. He urged South Africans to collaborate with law enforcement in combating crime and safeguarding police officers.