Among the newly appointed officers, 245 are Bachelor of Science (BSc) graduates who have been assigned to various roles within the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) Division, specifically as forensic analysts. Their expertise will contribute to the analysis of crucial forensic evidence presented in court to ensure just and lengthy convictions for offenders.
Additionally, other constables, including reservists who have completed their training, will be deployed to local police stations to reinforce grassroots policing efforts.
The passing out parades for the new recruits were held simultaneously at SAPS academies in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. The ceremonies were attended by Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, and Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale, who oversaw the proceedings.
While SAPS has made significant strides in increasing its workforce, with 8,600 trainees currently undergoing the Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BPLDP), public sentiment on social media highlights various concerns. Here are some comments from Twitter:
1. "We know you are going to ONLY appoint relatives and the connected ones. It's OK though, good luck to them in advance."
2. "People applying for the sake of employment and not to protect the nation 💔"
3. "This thing of seeing fat police officers must come to an end, y'all need to do something about their weight, please."
4. "Some people went through the process, even did their medical exams, and were told we will call you. Even now they are still waiting for the call."
5. "Out of these 10,000 posts, how many are available for the general public to apply? I mean, when you subtract those of the relatives of generals, how many posts are remaining?"
6. "Online applications will get more people employed than those of your choice."
7. "How about we apply online this year? For safety, less cost, corruption, nepotism reasons."
8. "You must start using the internet, no need for hand delivery because wow, your officers are corrupt🚮🚮 @SAPoliceService"
These comments on Twitter reflect public concerns regarding the recruitment and selection processes of the SAPS, highlighting issues such as nepotism, corruption, transparency, and physical fitness standards. The SAPS will need to address these concerns to ensure public trust and confidence in the effectiveness and integrity of the police force.
The SAPS has not yet responded to the specific comments, but they have expressed their commitment to ongoing recruitment and training, with plans to commence the recruitment of 10,000 police officers for the 2024/2025 financial year starting in July 2023. The application process will be open to young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30, possessing a senior certificate and a clean criminal record. Training for successful applicants will begin in April 2024.
The SAPS will need to take into account the public's feedback and work towards addressing the concerns raised while ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process to build a police force that effectively serves and protects the nation.
Source: SAPS
