By Doreen Mokgolo
The quality of police trainees coming out of the police colleges is under the spotlight after it was revealed that the colleges have a shortage of 358 trainers.
The report was presented to the Portfolio Committee on Police on Wednesday. It focused on the recruitment process for new recruits as well and the status update on the 2023/24 intake.
Chairperson Tina Joemat-Pettersson, said She said to ensure the effectiveness of the police there must be a major effort to get skilled police trainers.
“The shortage of the trainers will compromise the quality of training necessary to produce quality recruits,” she said.
She said the quality of the officers will hamper the plans set by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his state of the nation address to add more police boots on the ground to help fight the crime rate in the country.
This included setting up specialised teams that will focus on specific types of crime.
The committee is also calling for the police department to approach the National Treasury and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) regarding the appalling state of the training facilities.
Facilities housing the trainees are falling apart and have been deemed unsafe to occupy.
The committee further raised concerns about the allegations of nepotism and corruption in the recruitment system.
“We are calling on Saps management to tighten processes and work towards eliminating the manual application system to improve monitoring.
“We are urging the department to conclude the investigation into allegations of corruption and to bring to book those that are responsible,” she said.
Pictured above: Police graduation
Image source: Karabo Rammutla
