South Africa – Wednesday, December 13, 2023
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday deliver a keynote address at a South African Police Service (SAPS) passing-out parade where 1 400 newly trained officers will be certified as ready for the fight against crime .
The parade will take place at the South African National Defence Force’s 3 South African Infantry Battalion base in Kimberley in the Northern Cape .
The Kimberley parade is one of a number of ceremonies taking place in seven provinces this week where a total of 10 000 officers will mark the end of their basic training .
During the 2023 State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa said he would intensify efforts to strengthen the South African Police Service by putting more officers on the streets and setting up specialised teams that will focus on specific types of crime .
This week’s passing out parades fulfil the President’s commitment that 10 000 new personnel would be recruited and trained this year .
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Police Minister General Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale and the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola .
Earlier this week Cele assured the nation that it will be all hands on deck by law enforcement officials this festive season to ensure a safe holiday period in the country .
Cele said the festive season is a period largely characterised by festivities and increased migration of people within and across the borders .
“We as the country’s law enforcement have and will continue to upscale our responses to crime this holiday season and beyond,” he said .
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