Special Task Force welcomes new members to its elite ranks

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s most elite policing unit, he Special Task Force (STF) has welcomed 13 new graduates to its ranks. 

A parade to officially welcome the recruits was held at the South African Police Services (SAPS) academy in Tshwane on Thursday.

It costs the state about R1.1 million to train one member of the Special Task Force. 

They are described as South Africa’s last line of defence, highly trained in the art of combat and technically sound when it comes to dangerous operations. 

Speaking on the sidelines following the parade, one of the graduates, who cannot be identified due to the sensitive nature of his work, told Eyewitness News what the STF badge means to him. 

“I’m getting goosebumps. To work for this badge it was tough. I think we are all good policemen, even if I must say it myself because we gave up a lot to be here.”

With an overall graduation rate of only 15%, another graduate explained just how hard it is to become an STF member. 

“We started with over 150 and only 13 of us are standing here at the parade. Physically, mentally and emotionally you have to be prepared otherwise you won't make it.”

Eyewitness News previously reported on a recent exodus of members from STF who opted to join the private sector for better pay. 

READ: Taxpayers fork out millions for specialist police training - but graduates are jumping ship