The new SAPS members in full uniform
By Kopano Dibakwane
In a bid to reinforce the capacity to combat crime in the province, Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt-General Semakaleng Manamela, welcomed 784 (211 females and 573 males) newly trained Constables in a ceremony held at the South African Police Service(SAPS) Head Office in Nelspruit.
The new Constables reportedly graduated last week and are part of the 10 000 police officers who will be deployed to various stations in, units and service points, to enhance police visibility.
In her address during the ceremony, Lt-General Manamela congratulated the newly appointed members for their dedication and said that SAPS is a dynamic organisation with vast opportunities, but it requires members to apply discipline at all times.
” As the Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, I must express my relief and excitement that the National Commissioner (Fanie Masemola) has approved you to be part of us in the province. You must count your blessings, because you are the chosen few who made it up to this far.
” You need to be grateful and see that the opportunity is there, all that you have to do is grab it. Every year we receive thousands of applications, but only few make it up until the end. You are indeed the fortunate and I hope that no one from you plays with this fortune that God has given you,” said Lt-General Manamela.
She also extended her condolences to one Constable, from the 784 new members, who unfortunately passed away.
