The South African Police Service has bolstered its frontline policing by deploying nearly 3,560 newly trained constables across the country. These recruits graduated from academies nationwide on November 21, 2025, in preparation for heightened crime-fighting during the festive period. Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and deputy ministers oversaw the passing out parades.
On November 21, 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) marked a significant enhancement to its operational capacity with the graduation and deployment of 3,560 new constables. These officers, fresh from training at various SAPS academies, will join police stations nationwide to support grassroots-level policing efforts as the festive season approaches, a time typically marked by increased criminal activity.
The ceremonies, held across the country, included large-scale passing out parades that symbolized the recruits' transition into active duty. In the Western Cape, for instance, 315 graduates from the Bishop Lavis academy received their Occupational Certificate: Non-Commissioned Police Official at NQF Level 6, equipping them to address contemporary policing challenges and enforce the law effectively.
Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, along with Deputy Ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, attended the events, underscoring governmental commitment to public safety. SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi stated, “The constables will be deployed to various police stations across the country, to capacitate grassroots-level of policing and bolster crime-fighting efforts lead-up to the busy festive season.”
This deployment aims to strengthen responses to seasonal threats, ensuring communities feel more secure during holiday celebrations. The synchronized marches at parades highlighted the recruits' discipline and unity, setting a tone for their service.