'Don’t accept cold drink': Mkhwanazi warns new constables against bribes
Over 1,900 newly trained police constables are graduating from police academies across the country on Friday.
In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), a total of 145 new police constables will be hitting the ground running.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, officiated the passing out parade at the Ulundi SAPS Academy.
A total of 109 women and 36 men all graduated and completed their six-month Introductory Police Development Learning Programme and were all declared competent.
The group will be deployed to police stations across the province.
Mkhwanazi, who is admired for his no-nonsense stance on crime, warned police officers on parade against corruption and participating in any act of lawlessness
He said that the role of a police officer comes with responsibilities and authority, and warned that criminals would want to befriend police officers for protection.
“Some will be happy for you to a point of offering you bribes, which they will refer to as a cold drink; do not accept such. Love your country, respect the people you serve, and respect the oath of office you took when you joined the police. Always remember to protect the lives of the residents of South Africa as well as your life,” Mkhwanazi said.
Speaking at the Bhisho SAPS Academy in the Eastern Cape, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, where 849 constables graduated, he urged the new constables to be ready to work hard.
“You are no longer recruits, you are police officers of the Republic of South Africa. The work ahead of you is as demanding as it is noble. Crime in our country is ruthless. Criminals have no regard for the law, for life, or for the well-being of communities. You are now entrusted to be the shield between law-abiding citizens and those who wish them harm. Officers on parade, as you leave the corridors of this academy to go to the coalface of crime fighting, protect yourself to protect others; your safety is paramount. A fallen officer cannot serve the community. Remain vigilant, follow your training, and operate as a team,” Masemola said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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