The SAPS special task force (STF) that intervenes in extreme situations admitted 13 new additions during a parade ceremony at the Tshwane SAPS academy in Atteridgeville on March 7.
The STF is a SAPS elite unit and to serve in it initiates must go through a strenuous 15-month high-skill training.
More than 525 members applied to join the unit and 150 made it to the five-week pre-selection phase while 110 made it onto the programme.
Only 13 graduated and were welcomed into the STF ranks.
The 13 add to the existing STF squad that attends to high-risk and hostage situations, kidnappings, cash-in-transit robberies and illicit mining operations across the country.
#sapsDYK Did You Know? The Special Task Force (STF) provides a rapid response capability by intervening in extreme situations. They will add to the existing capacity of STF Operators that attend to high risk events such as hostage situations, #kidnappings, #CITRobberies heists… pic.twitter.com/9Sl9xuhxpC
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 7, 2024
“We cannot wait to serve our communities and give our country our best. We want to be seen as superhumans and be able to tackle serious and violent crime in our country,” said a recruit.
The new members received their STF parachute wings at the ceremony.
“The wing is worn on the left chest. It signifies that the member has been trained at a high level of weapon proficiency, hostage release tactics and the ability to deploy operationally by parachute into all territories,” said SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Deputy national commissioner for policing Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili told the recruits that the dedication and commitment that they’ve shown during their training must shine in their work.
“Over and above discipline and commitment, you must treat each other with respect and act respectfully at all times. Respect for the laws of our country, including protocols and processes within the organisation,” Mosikili said.
The first-ever female deputy national commissioner asked the members to wear their bulletproof vest on duty, stating this was not an optional but a necessity.
“Best wishes for what lies ahead, and more importantly, on the journey you are about to embark on. I have no doubt that you are equal to the tasks that you will be required to perform. All of us have every confidence in you that you will have meaningful and successful careers as STF members.
Always remember that this is a calling, it’s about passion and commitment to the badge,” she added.
#sapsHQ During her keynote address, Lt Gen Mosikili said South Africa needs a Police Service with members that are loyal, disciplined, upright in character, patriotic and willing to serve the country with pride and dignity. #STF NP pic.twitter.com/4MRsNoeJKz
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 7, 2024
To join the unit, an officer must be 32 years old or younger and must have served in an operational environment for at least two years.
Recruits must also have undergone and been successful in the pre-selection phase which consists of various rigorous exercises to determine if they can endure the training programme.
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