The Management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) takes this opportunity to welcome back and commend the organizations Special Task Force (STF) Unit for its satisfactory performance at the 2022 UAE SWAT Challenge held in Dubai from 13 to 17 March 2022.

The cohort consisting of ten members led by Brigadier Chesten Gaffley from the elite unit, competed against 32 other Special Forces teams from various countries across the world, where their mental and physical endurance in five gruelling exercises was put to the test.  After a rigorous and challenging five days of competing in tactical challenges, mock hostage rescue missions as well as raid and obstacle challenges, the competition ended with the STF collecting 82 points which secured them position 13 in the overall competition.

Their commander, the Component Head responsible for Specialised Operations, Major General Nonhlanhla Zulu who formed part of the operatives who gathered at the OR Tambo International Airport on Friday to welcome the team, believes the elite unit gave their best.

“A lot of hard work went into preparing the guys for this Challenge. We are satisfied with the results taking stock of where we come from previously where we were positioned second last. The hard work begins now to prepare for next year’s challenge, but of paramount importance is that the members have gained skills, expertise and knowledge which they will impart with members across the specialized units” said, Major General Nonhlanhla Zulu.

The Special Task Force is a highly specialised unit in the South African Police Service whose members are responsible for only responding to high-risk incidents, which include hostage-taking cases, search and rescue missions, as well as providing specialised operational support to other units within the SAPS.

Source: South African Police Service