Newly trained police task force operatives welcomed

The South African Police Service (SAPS) welcomed 11 newly trained Special Task Force Operatives (STF) to join the organisation’s elite unit on Friday in Pretoria.

All clad in camouflage, the cohort stood on parade at the SAPS Tshwane academy where they were received and welcomed by the Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General Michael Motlhala.

Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said the group of 11 members was chosen from more than 1 433 applicants as far back as 2017.

“Today only 11 received their STF wings. The STF wings are only awarded to members who successfully complete the intensive STF Selection and Training Programme.

ALSO READ: 34 police officers who died in line of duty honoured  

“The STF Parachute Wings are worn on the left chest and signify that the recipient has been trained at a high level of weapon proficiency, hostage release tactics and the ability to deploy operationally by parachute into all terrains,” she said.

Also standing on parade were an additional 10 STF members who received their Operators Badge.

The STF Operators Badge is the symbol of a qualified SAPS hostage release and counter-terrorism operator, Mathe added.

There are currently only 82 STF operatives in the country and they are posted in various parts of the country. With the new addition, the number of operatives has risen to 93.

“You are indeed the best of the best. You have endured rigorous training and emerged victorious. You have been thoroughly prepared to begin your careers in the STF. We urge you to remember all that you have learnt and implement it within the confines of the law to make South Africa a much better and safer place to live in.

ALSO READ: Two arrested in connection to Boschkop police officer’s murder 

“This is indeed a huge responsibility bestowed upon you. We wish you the best of luck as we strive to achieve NDP vision 2030 where all in SA are and feel safe”, Motlhala said.

To join this elite unit, members must be 32 years or younger and must have served in an operational environment for at least two years.

Members must also have undergone and been successful in the pre-selection phase which consists of various rigorous exercises that will be able to determine if they can endure the 20 month training programme.

Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram