New recruits welcomed to Brackendowns Police department.

AFTER 10 months spent at the SAPS Academy in Tshwane, three recruits have started their service at the Brackendowns Police Station on Monday 15 February.

When asked how the recruits were doing in their first few days on the job, warrant officer Joel Khumalo, who is responsible for their field training, said: “They are adjusting – it’s all still new to them.”

The RECORD asked the recruits why they chose to join the police force and what their inspiration was.

Andy Fillis (26) from Eden Park said he always wanted to be in the service – it was just a question of which one. “My father was most likely my biggest influence, as he is in the military. I was interested in the police, military and navy, but I finally settled on the police, and I’m happy with my choice.”

Another recruit, Francois Bouwer (20) from Brackendowns, said it was all he ever wanted. “I wanted to be a policeman since I was little. My father is a captain in the police.”

Antonio Botes (24), also from Brackendowns, said it was also a family affair, with his father being in the service (military). He said: “I became a policeman because I want to make a positive contribution in the community.”

“The recruits will be trained for one year. Their first six months here will focus on outside duties such as crime prevention and sector policing, and in the following six months they will be integrated into their relevant allocated stations,” said W/O officer Khumalo.

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