Moloto – The South African Police Service (SAPS)Training Academy in Moloto, near KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, was a hive of police activities on Friday, 15 August 2025.
More than 200 newly trained constables lined up at their pass out parade that marked their graduation ceremony.
The fresh boots will be deployed to various police stations across the province to beef up the old boots on the ground in accordance with their mandate in the fight against crime.
Mpumalanga Acting Police Commissioner Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, who was presiding over the prestigious event, welcomed the new police officers.
He urged them to remain committed to serving the people through dignity and loyalty.
“To the proud graduates on parade today, we extend a heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable achievement,” said General Mkhwanazi.
“When the SAPS called on young people of South Africa to join its ranks, you answered the noble call to serve and protect the people of this country, and for that, you deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.
“By heeding this call, you have displayed your willingness to subject yourselves to the discipline and hard work that comes with being a member of the SAPS,” said General Mkhwanazi.
“Your commitment to policing is critical to our nation.”
General Mkhwanazi urged the graduates to always execute their task without fear or favour as mandated in the Country’s Constitution.
“The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa tasks the police with a solemn responsibility to uphold the rights of all citizens,” said General Mkhwanazi.
“Among these rights is the right to life, one of the most sacred rights enshrined in our Constitution.
“This is not just a job, it is a mission to safeguard the very foundation of our democracy.”
Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia on Friday attended another pass out parade in Bhisho, Eastern Cape.
At least 849 graduates and 1 918 newly trained constables were on parade.
“You enter into service at a time when our country faces immense challenges. Criminals are becoming more organised, more violent, and more daring,” stated Acting Minister Cachalia.
“Crime levels remain high – violent crime, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, organised criminal networks – they pose serious threats to the safety of our communities.
“As the SAPS, we have a great task before us – one we dare not fail in.”
The Acting Police Minister said the people of South Africa were looking to the police for leadership, protection, and justice.
“You have been given tools of the trade, equipment, training, and resources,” Professor Cachalia advised.
“Use them as intended, not for fear, not for abuse, but to protect, to serve, and to uphold the rule of law.
In the Northern Cape, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General K Otola presided over the passing out parade at SAPS Academy Mankwe in North West.
A total of 286 newly trained police constables, of which 215 are females, stood on parade at Mankwe Academy in the North West to begin their journey in service to the people of South Africa.
