MINISTER of Police Bheki Cele has told the latest police recruits not to romance criminality.
He told the new constables that they would not be out there to give a smile to criminals or be friends with them.
Cele was the keynote speaker at the police's Passing Out Parade at the SAPS Tshwane Academy on Friday, 15 December.
He said there were 2509 constables that graduated.
He said police must go out there to serve and protect.
"We are not introducing you to be killed by criminals. I want to warn you that criminals are waiting for you out there. They are waiting to recruit you to their criminality and to physically harm you. They are waiting to tell you to forget about your vows and code of conduct," he said.
Cele said the constables must not live for themselves but to remember they were national assets.
ALSO READ: Prophet: Families sacrifice their own blood!
He said they were all expected to uphold the rule of law and mostly, to enforce the law.
"There is no job in this organisation, but it is a service which is given to the community," he said.
He said all the constables were fit and didn't have big bellies.
Cele made a call to parents and families to please support these police as they were vulnerable and the vultures are waiting for them.
"Remind them that they are not working for themselves but for the nation. Remind them not to do things that will disappoint their families," he said.
Cele also said the recruits would be deployed to various places around the country.
He said women and children were under siege, and police needed to attend to their problems.
"This is not an organisation of failures. It's not zama zamas. This is an organisation of excellence," said Cele.
He even said there were many opportunities in the SAPS, and they would be recruited to various units.
Police Commissioner General Fanny Masemola said: "In this parade, we have 1145 females and 1364 male. These are fully-fledged constables."
Ntombikayise Sitiba, a family member of Constable Xolani Maseko, said: "I'm very happy about this day and wish my child more blessings."
Sophie Baloyi, Constable Neo Baloyi's gogo said: "We thank God for doing this to us as a family. I want him to be disciplined and have respect."
