SAPS welcomes 13 newly qualified special task force operators

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed 13 newly qualified special task force operators into its elite tactical unit.

The officers completed the 38th special task force training programme, earning their place among the country’s most highly trained law enforcement members.

These new recruits are expected to strengthen the unit’s capacity to respond to high-risk incidents, including hostage situations, kidnappings, cash-in-transit robberies and illegal mining operations.

SAPS spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi says the special task force is mandated to handle high-risk incidents that fall outside the scope of general policing.

"10 candidates made it into the training programme. Out of these, only 13 members successfully completed the basic special task force training and were welcomed into the special task force ranks," Mukhathi said.