The South African Police Service (SAPS) has gazetted proposed amendments to the regulations governing the recruitment of new police officers in the country – clearing up the rules around officers having tattoos.

The proposals come after police minister Bheki Cele caused a small storm in 2022 by likening people with tattoos to gangsters and criminals, adding that these individuals would not qualify as new recruits to the SAPS.

“When you have a tattoo, we don’t hire you because you have a tendency of being a gangster,” he said at the time.

The statement sparked outrage among the inked members of society who took exception to being called gangsters. There were even reports of hopeful police recruits whose dreams were dashed by the realisation.

While Cele went on to explain to parliament that the whole matter had to do with perceptions in communities the SAPS needs to serve, the new proposed amendments will effectively codify the position and explanation.

The proposed SAPS recruitment rules state that a candidate can have tattoos, but they cannot be visible while in uniform, and they cannot be of a nature that is irreconcilable with the objective of the service.

The first requirement is that any tattoo a candidate has may not be visible when they are wearing or dressed in uniform.

The second requirement is that, even if the tattoo is not visible in uniform, the tattoo itself cannot be of a nature that is contrary or stands against the objectives of the police service.

“For instance, if the person takes off their shirt and has a tattoo, it must not be irreconcilable with the objectives of the service,” it said.

These rules apply to recruits and reservists, the SAPS said, adding that this restriction is a reasonable limitation of freedoms enshrined in the Bill of Rights, given the nature of the police force’s duties.

“Visible tattoos may negatively affect the perception and neutrality of members as viewed by the community.

“It may also be necessary to consider that rules of this nature do not only relate to the fact that an individual may choose to have a tattoo but also to the fact that the presence of tattoos influences the perception of members by communities that we are required to serve and may, in turn, affect the ability of members to perform their duties.”


Other changes

While the restrictions on tattoos have been kept in place in the proposed amendments, other limitations have been removed.

The proposed changes remove the requirement that SAPS members “undertake to not wear any religious or cultural adornment or symbol”, with labour unions viewing this as unconstitutional.

There is also debate around the age of recruitment. As it currently stands in the gazette, new recruits have to be between the age of 18 and 30 to qualify. However, unions are arguing for this to be increased to 35 to align with the definition of “youth” in the National Youth Development Agency Act.

Their country, their laws.

Merx:
Their country, their laws.

Nothing like that, humans make stupid laws .

When you notice all these things don't matter but your heart the better.

Today khazastan is banning the use of hijab in schools but another man brought the law before.


So you see

Varunpulyani:


Nothing like that, humans make stupid laws .

When you notice all these things don't matter but your heart the better.

Today khazastan is banning the use of hijab in schools but another man brought the law before.


So you see

How is this law stupid?, do tell

KingCold:
How is this law stupid?, do tell

Tattoos can be used for skin beautification either permanent or temporary.

Israel where the bible/Torah was originated from do draw tats and it's not a reason not to enter the military or find a job.

In the Muslim countries I mean the originators the females do beautify Thier skins some not permanent.

Nobody don go hell or heaven come back before, these are man made rules

NFBI:
Stop suffocating us with your xenophobic country stories..

We care less

Stay tuned 📡📺 More to come from SA due to popular demand 👍🏾🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

Any news emanating from Uganda,South Africa ,Lesotho,Kenya and Congo dey get as e dey be 😂

OK

LGBTQ Country



Dem need bomb that nonsense country