Meet the SAPS Tactical Response Team’s exceptional female member
She is the sole female constable in the Western Cape SAPS Tactical Response Team, consistently exceeding expectations in her duties…
In honor of Women’s Month, the South African Police Service is recognizing Constable Thabisa Ntyinkala, the only female member of their Tactical Response Team. At 44 and hailing from Khayelitsha, Constable Ntyinkala excels in her role, going beyond expectations to safeguard South Africa’s citizens and setting a pioneering example within the team.
The SAPS says she’s a fitness fanatic who wears a stern-looking ‘operator’s face’ all the time. So, if you see her approaching, you better watch out. Better still, Ntyinkala says she’s not fazed by the fact she’s the only woman on the SAPS Tactical Response Team in the Western Cape. She bonds and works well within the male-dominated environment.
SAPS TACTICAL RESPONSE TEAM
Ntyinkala joined the SAPS in September 2014, undergoing basic training at the Mthatha SAPS Academy in the Eastern Cape. She started her career at Cape Town Central Police Station performing court duties. She then found her groove participating in functional fitness like tug of war and football. Identified due to her high level of fitness, she was encouraged to join the SAPS Tactical Response Team. And has not looked back …
The top policing force in the province deals with high-risk situations and must be operationally ready at all times. Ntyinkala advises all women who aspire to achieve highly in their careers to pull their weight and not expect to be treated differently. Encouragingly, she says she’s not once received a negative response when giving a command to either a team member or someone from the public.
IT’S HOW YOU CARRY YOURSELF
Furthermore, she believes the manner you carry yourself speaks volumes as to how you are perceived. That is why she advocates for good physical appearance, posture, facial expression and operational readiness. In a personal capacity, prayer helps sustains her and she always relies on her fitness routine for ballast.
Next up for Ntyinkala is a six-week training course to select the next SAPS Tactical Response Team in the Western Cape. “My wish is for members to remain true to the oath they take when they join the South African Police Service. In that way, corruption among the ranks of SAPS members, will be eliminated,” concluded Ntyinkala.