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The South African Police Service welcomed the first woman to complete the Special Task Force Selection Training Programme in the history of the organisation.
The 31-year-old Constable from the Western Cape cannot be identified for security reasons, but has 11 years of service and is regarded as the only female police officer to have successfully completed the STF training programme without any amendments to the training to suit females.
“She is also the only female police officer who is currently serving in the Special Task Force Unit as an operational member,” said SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
On Thursday she formed part of a platoon of ten male police officers who were bestowed with their STF parachute wings by the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola.
Mathe said the Special Task Force Parachute Wings are awarded to those members who have undergone and completed the Special Task Force Selection Training Programme.
She said a further ten STF members were bestowed with their Operators Badge after undergoing a two-year probation period during which they were already serving as members of the elite unit.
“If you really want something you must do everything to obtain it. I wanted to be part of the best, either the best or nothing. If I can do it, other women can and will be able to do it”, said the only female member attached to the STF.
