By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 December 2025- The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, officially welcomed 45 of the 58 new constables who completed their training at different SAPS Training Academies in the country and placed at various stations within the district. Andrews said the parade was held at the offices of Human Resource Development ( HRD) in Springbok.
He further said the opening devotion was led by Chaplin Marsha Baard attached to the Employee Health and Wellness section. Andrews added that in attendance were Station and Unit Commanders, SAPS members, representatives from the Labour Unions (POPCRU and SAPU) and the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.
“The new constables stood proudly on parade, ready to embark on their policing journey. The members will be placed at various stations within the district to obtain workplace exposure in the field of policing. Captain Andre Baard, Head of Training, addressed the constables, shared valid and important information pertaining to the phases of their training.
“Messages of support were delivered by Shabedi from SAPU and Lewis from POPCRU, including Sekia from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison. We reminded the members that they are no longer simply graduates, but guardians of the Namakwa District, entrusted with the safety and security and wellbeing of communities,” he said.
Andrews said their placement at stations and units is by design, rooted in the principles of policing and Section 205 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. He said the constitution is not just a legal document — it is the heartbeat of democracy, the promise of justice and the shield of every citizen.
“So, we urged them to recognise their duty as both constitutional and spiritual, a calling from God to serve with integrity, courage, professionalism and compassion. We also reminded them that wearing the SAPS uniform is not merely about the clothes and badge, but carrying the mantle of service, the responsibility of protection, and the authority of justice.
“We charged them to serve with discipline as their compass, dignity as their shield, and faith as their strength. We appealed to them to uphold the law without fear or favour, to walk the streets of Namakwa as symbols of hope and trust, and to remember that their daily “Bible” is the SAPS Code of Conduct,” said Andrews.
He blessed their journey with wisdom, courage, and faith, welcoming them to “the winning team.” Andrews said it reminded them that their role is not just a career, but a sacred calling to ensure that Namakwa remains a district where justice prevails and communities thrive.
The Guardian 