By Kaya 959 News
Nearly 4,000 police officers have been vaccinated since the launch of the SAPS vaccination drive this week.
SAPS spokesperson, Major General Mathapelo Peters, urged more of its police officers and support personnel to voluntarily present themselves at all registered sites across the country.
“The provincial vaccination drive of SAPS members and personnel kicks-off today in seven provinces and will continue up until the first week of August
“While the number of vaccinated members thus far consists of members in Gauteng, the province together with KwaZulu-Natal will launch their separate vaccination campaigns on Friday,” she said.
Peters said those who have received the vaccine have rallied behind SAPS management’s call to get members vaccinated to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
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Officers relieved to receive jab
At least 673 police officers have succumbed to COVID-19-related illnesses in the last year.
One of the officers to be vaccinated, Warrant Officer Mike Phungo, said he was relieved to receive his jab. Phungo, 50, was vaccinated at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
He has 29 years of service at SAPS and is attached to the Moroka Police Station.
“When a person tests positive, buildings get closed and this somehow affects our work, but through thorough planning our employer has always ensured that we continue serving the people of SA at alternative sites. I’m encouraging all colleagues to present themselves at the 108 vaccination sites to get their jab,” he said.
Another police officer, Sergeant Shirley Moabi, is attached to the Randburg Police Station with 13 years service.
“I will definitely be encouraging all my colleagues at the Randburg Police Station to get vaccinated. Let’s all go to our 108 registered sites and get the jab,” she said.
Peters said the latest stats showed that 32 894 police officers have tested positive for Covid.
The recovery rate sits at 30 955.



