Pretoria: Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has called on female officers to play a pivotal role in challenging unethical behavior, strengthening consequence management, mentoring younger members, and helping to restore public confidence in the service.
According to South African Government News Agency, Dimpane emphasized the need for empowered women in the police force during her speech at the Operation Basadi Parade, held in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria. She highlighted that the future of policing requires women who are not only visible but also influential, prepared to lead, and capable of making significant contributions to the service.
The Acting Commissioner acknowledged the challenging environments in which policewomen operate. They often face high-pressure situations, encounter trauma, and work irregular hours while also managing significant responsibilities beyond their professional roles. Dimpane stressed that leadership is not just about holding positions but involves accountability, competence, ethical conduct, and the ability to deliver results.
Dimpane urged female officers to use their positions to develop others, challenge complacency, and contribute to safer communities. She stated that the credibility of SAPS is judged by their actions, including every interaction with victims, investigations conducted, arrests made, operational decisions taken, and services rendered.
With Women's Month coming to a close, Dimpane highlighted the importance of strengthening the response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) both outside and within the SAPS. She emphasized that there can be no credibility in protecting communities from violence while tolerating misconduct or unethical behavior within the organization. The SAPS must hold itself to the highest standards and address allegations of misconduct decisively and fairly.
Addressing the women on parade, Dimpane stated that they are more than symbols of representation; they are an operational force. She encouraged them to see Operation Basadi not as a moment, but as a platform to demonstrate excellence, inspire others, and open doors for other capable women. She urged them to serve the people of South Africa with integrity and distinction.
In closing, Dimpane reiterated the importance of women's leadership, wellbeing, and contributions to the safety of South Africa. She called for building a South African Police Service where women not only participate in policing but also shape its future.
