Premier Dukwana sends strong message to criminals as he welcomes 864 new police recruits

The Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, led the welcoming ceremony of new police recruits at Bobbies Park, Bloemfontein, yesterday.

Present at the ceremony was the Community Safety, Roads and Transport MEC, Maqueen Letsoha Mathae, as well as the FS police commissioner, lieutenant general Baile Motswenyane.

In a stirring address to the 864 recruits who displayed high discipline, Dukwana explained their upcoming journey. He appealed to them to have community’s best interest at heart at all times.

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“These new recruits chose a path of good in a society traumatised by vicious violence. We need to rally behind honest police; those who have dedicated their lives to serve our people,” said Premier Dukwana.

Furthermore, the premier sent a stern warning to the police who commit crimes, saying that punishment would be severe them.

“We will show no mercy to officers who dishonour their uniform, those who are on the take as well as those who abuse their powers,” added Dukwana.

Dukwana emphasised that such officers bring shame to the profession which he referred to as “noble”, and that action will be taken in cases of corruption and abuse of power.

According to the Premier, recruiting the police will aid the government in combating crime.

Given the recent police-thug encounters, it has become clear that criminals have access to weapons and are able to challenge the police.

“Our people have sadly become prisoners in their own homes because of marauding thugs,” said the Premier. 

In closing, the premier stated that the provincial government would continue to face criminality unwaveringly.