Police members urged: get shot in the arm to defeat Covid

Police have called for more members to voluntarily present themselves for Covid-19 shots as only 13 964 members had been vaccinated by this week.

National spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said the national vaccination drive got off the ground on Monday, last week at the Orlando stadium in Soweto, while in Pretoria, scores of members had also made their way to the SAPS Tshwane academy to receive vaccinations.

Mathe speaking to Rekord at the Moot vaccination site on Wednesday, which forms part of the 108 national SAPS vaccine sites, said the number of SAPS employees who had tested positive for Covid-19 had risen to 33 768, while the recovery rate stood at 31 786.

She said the mortality rate was recorded at 688 SAPS members.

Mathe said the Moot vaccination site for police administered 500 daily shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to its members, since it kicked off operations on Thursday last week.

“Vaccination roll-outs are progressing well, with only a few challenges here and there of our members not social distancing, due to their energised levels. However, that is being strictly attended to on a daily basis, to ensure all Covid-19 measures are followed.”

Rekord spoke to SAPS members who received their shots.

Warrant Officer Martin Smit (42) from the Pretoria K-9 unit, who has 23 years police service, said after receiving his vaccination he was in positive spirits to go combat crime.

“I feel hopeful and thankful to have received my vaccine as part of prevention of deaths. I am encouraging members to get vaccinated as prevention is better than cure.”

Smit said there was a rapid rate of infections, leading to hospitals overflowing with patients and the police service needed to play its part in creating safety for the public it serviced.

He said in the past month, the Pretoria K-9 unit experienced quite a number of Covid-19 infections, which led to the closure of operations in the unit.

Colonel Phil Maboea (52) attached to the Pretoria Central police station vispol command, with 35 years’ service, also received his Covid-19 shot at the Moot police vaccination site.

Maboea said Covid-19 had created a difficult space for police as it had disrupted lives, and brought panic and fatigue to their operations as members had to continue with normal policing.

“These vaccinations at least allow us to go out with a shield in hand.”

He said getting the Covid-19 vaccination was also a way to encourage those that were discouraged to get the shot over the safeness of the vaccine.

Brooklyn police station commander Kushie Pietersen who has 30 years’ police service experience and survived Covid, encouraged all eligible members to get vaccinated and protect themselves against the virus.

“The main idea of getting vaccinated was to protect myself from any further infection.”

Pietersen (48) said according to research the Covid-19 vaccines kept members from getting and spreading the virus.

“Covid-19 vaccines also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get Covid-19,” she reminded members.

Police minister Bheki Cele at the launch of the SAPS vaccination programme emphasised the importance of having a healthy workforce.

“We don’t have any other scientifically proven way of preventing the severe effects of this virus other than getting vaccinated. So we are thrilled as the police ministry and believe a healthy SAPS is crucial in the fight against crime and maintaining the rule of law in the country.

“Our members can rest assured that they are now more protected from this vicious virus while they continue to serve and protect the people of South Africa.”

The national vaccination drive aims to prioritise members who are 60 years and above, members with co-morbidities, including members who are at high risk of exposure to the virus, especially operational members such as cleaners and security guards.

National health department spokesperson Popo Maja said 183 000 SAPS members were targeted for vaccination.

“We need them to maintain law and order and they have physical contact with the public every day.”

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