The South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed more than 20,000 newly trained constables across the country over the past three years to enhance crime-fighting efforts and public safety.
National Commissioner of SAPS, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, announced the deployment during a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday. He revealed that in mid-December 2024, 2,699 new constables were added to the force as part of the ongoing nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations.
The added personnel helped improve police visibility in areas identified as crime hotspots, including malls, beaches, and key transportation routes. “We strengthened our presence in these areas to ensure the safety of both locals and visitors,” Masemola said.
During the festive season, SAPS arrested 244,951 individuals for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration. The operations, which began on October 11, 2024, and ended on January 31, 2025, were part of efforts to combat crime during one of the busiest times of the year.
Masemola also announced that an additional 5,500 police recruits would begin their training this week. The recruits will undergo either a six-month or nine-month training program depending on their qualifications. “This is part of our commitment to ensuring more officers are available to fight crime,” he said.
The SAPS continues to face challenges, particularly with the rising number of attacks on police officers. Since October 2024, nine on-duty officers and 12 off-duty officers have been killed. Masemola condemned the killings, noting that the murder of police officers is now a national priority offense investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks. He stated that 30 individuals were arrested for killing police officers during the festive season, with seven convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment plus additional years.
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