Follow your dream

Mabuza started his training in the SAPS in August 1990, at the age of 25, after he had been a teacher for two years.

“When I was a teacher, I realised that it was not my calling and I did not enjoy it,” he says.

“I then went to Tsakane for a visit and came across someone who introduced me to the idea of becoming a policeman, as they could see that it was something I was more passionate about.

“I fell for it, as it was something I had always loved, but my family didn’t approve of.”

Mabuza then went to the police station to fill in forms to apply to become a policeman.

About three months later he was called for an interview, but didn’t attend, however the Security Branch Unit at the time went to collect him at the school at which he was teaching.

He says he was told it as compulsory to go for the interview, as he had applied, or he would be arrested.

So he went for it and passed, went for medical checks and passed, then he was told he had to go to college for six months.

“In August 15, 1990, I was told to start college, but was afraid to tell my family, as I knew they would not approve.

“So I just told them I was going on six-month training course, without specifying what it was for.

“I spent six months in college and made it as a police officer.”

Mabuza explains that these days you need to spend six months doing theory and six months doing practicals to become part of the SAPS, regardless of whether you have other qualifications. Thereafter you can work in other departments within the SAPS using your other qualifications.

He adds that every time he went home to Kwandedele, in Mpumalanga, he would not carry anything that would show that he was a police officer, as his family didn’t want him to do that.

He finally revealed the truth to them in 1999.

“I decided it was time to tell the truth, so I went in uniform and with some pictures, as I knew they would not believe me,” Mabuza says.

“I had to explain to them that this was what I loved and that I was just doing teaching as there were not a lot of options for me at the time, and as the first born I had to help out at home while doing something that they would approve of.”

He explains that, to become a police officer, you don’t have to do any particular subjects in school, adding that in his time they used to check your height, if you were physically fit and healthy and if you had finished school.

He says to become a good police officer you must love interacting with people – they need to be able to trust you – be honest, respect yourself and the community and you must be able to refer people elsewhere if you can’t help them.

Over the years Mabuza has moved up the ranks from being a constable to a sergeant, warrant officer, lieutenant and now is now captain.

In the past 25 years, some things have changed in terms of requirements for joining the police service.

According to the https://www.saps.gov.za/services.reservist.php**, requirements for someone wishing to join the SAPS include:

n You must be a South African citizen by birth.

n Be at least 18, but under 40 years of age, of which documentary proof must be furnished.

n Complete a health questionnaire, at own cost, which is confirmed by a registered medical practitioner.

n Be medically, mentally and physically fit to perform duties.

n Be of good and sound character.

n Fit the psychometric profile and must successfully complete any other test that may be determined by the National Commissioner.

n Be in possession of at least a Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or must have successfully completed a SAQA accredited NQF level 4 qualification, of which documentary proof must be provided.

n Be able to speak, read and write at least two official languages, one of which must be English.

n Allow your fingerprints and a DNA sample to be taken.

n Be prepared to undergo such training as may be determined by the National Commissioner.

n Be prepared to take the prescribed oath of office.

n Understand that your services may be terminated at the age of 60.

n Complete an assessment questionnaire.

n Be vetted or screened.

n Be employed and provide proof of employment.

n Provide proof of your residential address.

n Not have a criminal record or any criminal or departmental cases pending against you (all criminal or departmental cases must be declared).

n Not have a tattoo which will be visible if you wear a uniform.