Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is an organisation that takes a lot of flack in South Africa.
However, did you know that the SAPS has an elite unit within its ranks? A team that will now compete against the world’s best at the highest level abroad.
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the Special Task Force (STF) is a highly specialised unit within the SAPS, consisting of 10 members responsible for only responding to high-risk incidents. These include hostage incidents, search and rescue missions, and providing Specialised Operational Support to other units within the SAPS.
With this said, the SAPS’s Special Task Force (STF) Unit was recently selected to participate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) SWAT Challenge from 13 – 17 March 2022.
Colonel Mathe explains that the Challenge, which is designed to create cooperation between all Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams on a global level, will be held at the Dubai SWAT Training Facility.
“Members of the Special Task Force (STF) will form part of the more than forty teams from twenty-five countries that will compete within five Challenge categories that will test each team’s global tactical and weaponry ability and proficiency.”
The elite unit will depart from South African shores on Friday, 4 March 2022, to participate in this international competition. Additionally, the event aims to encourage benchmarking and the sharing of good practices focusing on techniques, tactical skills, mental focus and physical endurance when responding to high-risk incidents.
“We wish the team all the best. We are confident that the team is well prepared to take on the challenges presented at the UAE SWAT Challenge. The members have put in the hard work and long hours in preparation for this competition. With their expertise, we are confident that the team will give their best but most importantly benchmark from other countries with a view of bringing ideas back home to share with other members within the specialised units,” said SAPS National Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole.
As the team now prepares to compete internationally, what are your thoughts? Did you know that South Africa had a Special Unit?
Share your views in the comment section below.
RELATED NEWS
