This is according to replies to Parliamentary questions asked by local DA MP Michael Waters.
“No one is saying police officers have to be sportsman fit, however, they do need a certain level of fitness in order to fulfil their responsibilities such as running after suspects,” says Waters.
“And if they cannot achieve this it does not install confidence in the police.”
According to the Boksburg North communication officer, Lieut Juanita Coetzer, police officers must go for a fitness assessment annually and certain standards must be achieved.
“Members who do not attend will be dealt with accordingly, however, there are members who cannot participate in the fitness assessment due to illness or other medical reasons.
“These members must provide a medical certificate.”
Coetzer says that the fitness test results mentioned by the DA, specially those of the Boksburg North SAPS, are definitely not correct.
The tables, drawn up by the DA, highlight the level of unfitness among police officers for 2013 and for 2014. – @IschkeBoksburg
