ALMOST 5 000 new recruits to the South African Police Service graduated at simultaneous ceremonies throughout South Africa last Friday morning, including the 353 trainees from the Graaff-Reinet SAPS Academy.
The light sprinkling of rain in Graaff-Reinet early on Friday morning was enough to dampen the dust and freshen the grass at the Botanics sports ground, and the family members and friends of those passing out were treated to a spectacular display of pomp and ceremony, executed with precision and discipline.
A brass band, comprising members from the Free State and Mpumalanga, accompanied many of the ceremonial aspects of the programme.
The welcoming address was given by Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Divisional Commissioner of Detective Services.
She encouraged the trainees to work as a team to promote a safer South Africa for all, stressing the need to be professional and ethical at all times.
Deputy National Commissioner of Crime Detection and Crime Intelligence, Lieutenant General Lebeoana Tsumane, then formally inspected the parade.
Awards were presented to the top learners in academics, fitness, and shooting.
As well as trophies and certificates, the three best-performing candidates overall were also awarded bursaries to further their studies for three years.
In his keynote address, Tsumane explained that these new constables had been selected from more than 500 000 applicants after thorough screening and interviews.
“We are proud of these young people who are honest, focused, highly driven and passionate about policing,” he said.
The newly appointed constables have successfully completed the first stage of the 21-month basic police learning development programme, after undergoing eight months training at the academy.
They will now complete a 12-month probation period, attached to police stations around the country.
