Cape Town - Long lines of blue and gold-clad police officers marched down the main street in Paarl on Thursday, ahead of the opening of the country's first police academy.
The Western Cape SA Police Service band belted out an upbeat tune, while members followed in procession.
They assembled in front of the SAPS Academy Paarl, where Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa stood on a small red podium, alongside police commissioner Riah Phiyega.
They made their way into the academy hall, where they are expected to address officers.
Officers wiped away beads of sweat, battling the heat in full uniform.
In October, the SA Police Service partnered with the University of SA to further train members and make the service more professional.
The academy is expected to equip officers with proper theoretical and practical training.
It first opened as the SA Police College for Advanced Training in 1990. It has since undergone name and mandate changes.
Enrolment was aimed at those ranked from Constable to Warrant Officer who were looking to gain executive management and leadership skills.
Students were required to be between the ages of 20 and 30, have three years' police experience, a national senior certificate, and no criminal or departmental cases against them. - Sapa