SAPS
When criminals strike, everyone suffer
Safer schools for all
A new inter-governmental programme has been established to make schools in South Africa safer.
The Collaborative Implementation Protocol between the South African Police Service (SAPS and the Department of Basic Education was launched in Cape Town on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
When schools are unsafe, when learners, educators and support staff live in fear, it robs learners of the very essence of learning and development, said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu at the launch.
“Our country’s future rests in the hands of our children. And as parents, first and foremost, we all desire the same thing – that our children live good, meaningful lives. We know that a solid education is the foundation of that good life,” Mchunu said.
Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Mchunu jointly unveiled the Collaborative Implementation Protocol, pledging to create safer, child-friendly learning environments amid high statistics of violence.
This document will be a practical guide to bring urgent action in every district, in every province and in every school.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the SAPS, in 2011, formed a partnership to safeguard schools from crime and violence to protect learners and teachers.
A new implementation protocol was necessary to clarify each party’s roles, ensure a proper division of work plan activities and to ensure the protocol’s objectives are executed effectively at local level. This will also include implementing joint SAPS and DBE led crime prevention programmes within schools.
“During school holidays especially, we see a rise in burglary and vandalism. These are not victimless crimes. They rob our children of resources, time, and opportunity,” Mchunu said.
Criminal elements disrupt the education process and destabilise the very environments meant to nurture growth.
“As government leaders, elected by the people of this country, we carry a constitutional duty to realise the rights enshrined in our Constitution. The right to safety, the right to dignity and the right to education are not negotiable.
“These rights must be protected and upheld in every schoolyard, in every classroom and in every community.
“We cannot do this without parents, they must be active participants in the fight against crime starting in their own homes, in their streets and in their communities.” Source: SAnews.gov.za
SAPS celebrates young officers
Flight against crime
This Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) proudly celebrates the dynamic young men and women in uniform, who go above and beyond the call of duty.
Among them is 27-year-old constable Roycolle Naicker, a trailblazing drone pilot based in Johannesburg District, Gauteng.
Armed with a qualification in Forensic Science and Technology, Naicker is part of a new generation of officers using innovation to fight crime. He joined the SAPS in 2019 at just 21 years old, trading in his previous role in the motor industry as a fitter and turner for a life of public service.
Policing runs in Naicker’s blood. Growing up surrounded by family members in the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies, he was inspired by their dedication and courage. Their example lit a fire in him to serve and protect his country.
Following basic police training, Naicker quickly expanded his skillset. In 2020, he completed Crime Intelligence training, and two years later, earned his licence as a drone pilot. His work now takes him to the skies, providing critical aerial support for operations on the ground.
From capturing high-definition footage during crime prevention missions to collecting evidence that strengthens investigations, Naicker’s drone expertise plays a vital role. These flying tools offer a bird’s eye view that helps officers plan ahead, track suspects, and access hard-to-reach areas.
In search and rescue missions, drones equipped with thermal cameras even allow officers to detect movement in the dark, giving the SAPS a powerful edge.
Drones have revolutionised police operations, allowing them to monitor high risk areas, predict suspects’ movements, and respond faster than ever before.
Although he is passionate about drones, Naicker’s heart remains rooted in his forensic background. He hopes to one day join the SAPS Forensic Division, where he believes his technical skills and drone expertise can further strengthen crime scene investigations.
True to his values, Naicker lives by the principle of doing good even when no one is watching. It’s this quiet integrity that he hopes to pass on to South Africa’s youth.
“You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Naicker to the youth of South Africa. Source: SAnews.gov.za