The South African Police Service (SAPS) marks an extraordinary milestone this Women’s Month. A 32-year-old female officer has become the first woman to complete the rigorous selection training for the elite Special Task Force.
Lt-Col Amanda Van Wyk announced, “Today we introduce the nation to the first female police officer in the history of the organisation who successfully completed the elite special task force selection training programme without any amendments made to suit females.”
Completing this intense 18-month training is no small feat, as it’s designed to test physical capabilities, endurance, and mental strength.
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Among the 36 applicants, only 11 members, including the female officer, completed the program and were awarded Task Force Parachute Wings by National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola last year.
The successful candidate has been trained in weapon proficiency, advanced paramilitary tactics, high-risk incident management, and parachute deployments into rural environments.
From a young age, the officer knew she wanted to serve the public. Her journey started as a personal trainer and rugby player before she joined the SAPS in 2012. She admitted initial doubts about completing the training but found that “where your mind takes you, your body will follow.”
She refers to her peers as her “brothers,” illustrating the deep camaraderie within the unit. Off duty, she enjoys fitness activities, writes poetry, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.
The Special Task Force, established in 1976, is SAPS’ only paramilitary unit, now led by female commander Maj-Gen Nonhlanhla Zulu and reporting to Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili, the organisation’s first female Deputy National Commissioner for Policing.
“I always wake up with a smile on my face, even when I get woken up in the early hours of the morning to attend to a high-risk situation,” says the trailblazing officer. Her story stands as an inspiration, encouraging other women to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
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