The New Face of SAPS

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe revealed SAPS is aggressively recruiting graduates in niche fields to modernize policing:

• Forensic scientists for DNA labs (critical after 2024 backlog crisis)
• Drone operators to track syndicates in townships
• Lawyers for internal accountability amid corruption scandals
• Veterinarians for K9 units and wildlife crime

‘Policing isn’t just about force—it’s about expertise,’ Mathe emphasized.</p>

Why Graduates? The Data

SAPS’ internal reports show a significant impact from graduate hires in 2024, particularly in specialized crime-solving areas. In cybercrimes, 87% of new hires were graduates, leading to a 42% boost in solve rates. Similarly, cold case reviews saw 91% of roles filled by criminology graduates, resulting in a dramatic 63% improvement. A senior SAPS recruiter acknowledged this shift, stating, ‘We’re stealing talent from private firms.’

Leadership Turmoil vs. Ground Reality

Despite General Sithole’s suspension, operational successes continue. Operation Shanela led to the arrest of 15,000 suspects in just one week, while 12,499 illegal guns were destroyed in a ballistics cleanup effort. Additionally, the DNA backlog was reduced by 31% thanks to new graduate hires. A tactical unit commander emphasized, ‘Morale isn’t about top brass—it’s about tools and training.’ These results highlight how frontline effectiveness persists amid leadership challenges.