SAPS Special Task Force welcomes 13 new recruits

The SAPS Special Task Force (STF) has been given a much needed boost by addition of 13 new recruits. The recruits gained the special parachute wings at the SAPS Training Academy in Tshwane.

The highly specialised unit attends to high risk and hostage situations, kidnappings, cash-in-transit robberies and illicit mining operations.

JOINING ELITE SAPS SPECIAL TASK FORCE RANKS

In December however, concerns grew over the increasing turnover of new members shortly after joining the specialised police unit. The majority of the recruits who left the unit ended yp getting hired as private security. The concerns were raised by the units former leader and current KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

In order to train to become a new member of the SAPS Special Task Force, potential recruits undergo a strict, rigid and stringent fifteen month programme. According to SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, 525  members applied  to join the elite unit. Only 150 made it to the five week pre-selection phase, while 110 made into the training programme.

Deputy police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili, reminded the members to remain patriotic and serve the country.

“All of us have every confidence in you that you will have meaningful and successful careers as STF members, always remember that this is a calling, it’s about passion and commitment to the badge,” said Lt Gen Mosikili.

UAE SWAT CHALLENGE

The Special Task Force, also competes in competition such as such the UAE SWAT Challenge.

The challenge sees elite units from across the the globe.This includes the New York Police department.

In the last five years, the STF has competed in the competition three times.

In this years race, they came in 16th place out of 72 teams. Ninth place finish in 2023 in the best placement so face globally.