'They're police officers, not criminals': Mpumalanga top cop on new recruits

Discipline is the order of the day in the police service.

This was the message from Mpumalanga police commissioner Lt-Gen Semakaleng Manamela, who on Monday welcomed 733 new constables.

Speaking to the newly appointed officers at the provincial headquarters in Mbombela, Manamela said they have recruited police officers and “not criminals”.

“We would not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who contravenes our laws — and I hope it is not going to be one of you,” she said.

She told the new members they came into the service during the festive season when crime is rife.

“We launched [National Safer Festive Season operations] while you were still at the academies, and as you are the new broom, we expect you to sweep very clean. You must sweep all forms of crime away.

“Criminals must be arrested. I want to have a happy sleep knowing this province is safe. I want to hear the people of Mpumalanga saying they are safe. I want to see the people of Mpumalanga dancing with excitement and happiness because they are safe.

“Mpumalanga is also one of the provinces which attracts more tourists. You must protect these tourists so that they could visit again. This also boosts our economy,” Manamela told the recruits.

Teamwork is important in the police service, she added.

“We do not appreciate gossip and backstabbing. We are one family which holds each other by the hand. I advise you to stand firm and march forward and thus work together harder. That way you will grow to be a better person,” she said.

“We are an organisation of discipline and professionalism, and we do not appreciate disappointment and lack of trust.

“You must protect young people, women and children. It is your duty to declare the protection of these vulnerable groups and commit yourselves to protecting them. You must not tolerate any form of gender-based violence and femicide.”

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