Nine newly qualified constables have begun their six-month probation training at the Fish Hoek police station.
The rookies are part of Project 10k – referred to by President Cyril Ramaphosa in last year’s State of the Nation Address – to improve police training and put 10 000 more police on the country’s streets by the end of last year.
Fish Hoek police spokesman Warrant Officer Peter Middleton said the new recruits would rotate through different shifts to gain experience of various police duties and then do stints with the crime prevention unit and the crime detection department.
He asked the public to be patient with the new recruits during their training, at the end of which they would be assigned to stations or units determined by police management.
“Patience and appreciation go a long way in building good relationships with these members, and so it’s what we ask for those members who will serve and protect.”
Fish Hoek Community Police Forum chairman Andre Blom said: “Although we realise that not all the constables will eventually be stationed in Fish Hoek, we are sure that this precinct will offer a solid foundation for their further careers.”
Constable Patrick Mnqokoyi said he had wanted to be a police officer from a young age and hoped to make the rank of sergeant in five years.
He will join the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) after his probation period.
Constable Bukho Fukamile said: “ I am looking to further my studies after my probationary period and am looking at programmes in industrial psychology or social work.”
She hopes to work in the police’s Employee Health and Wellness wing.
Constable Brenda Mbane said was inspired by her aunt, a sergeant at Hout Bay police station, to investigate crime.
“I aspire to one day be a part of the forensics team,” she said.
Constable Fukamile urged the public to work with them, saying: “We are newcomers in this area and are still getting familiar with our surroundings. Therefore, we kindly ask for their understanding and patience as we continue to learn and adjust to our new responsibilities.“
