South Africa send 15 police officers to Paris Olympics 2024
A team of 15 hand-picked South African police officers have arrived in France for the Paris Olympics 2024.
![South Africa send 15 police officers to Paris Olympics 2024](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SAPS-Paris-Olympics-2024.jpg.optimal.jpg?#)
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has wished 15 police officers from the Public Order Police (POPs) unit well as they travel to France to assist in performing policing functions during the Paris Olympics 2024.
For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section
The SAPS is the only SADC law enforcement agency to be taking part in this skills sharing opportunity in relation to crowd management control capabilities following a request from the French Government for members from various security officers including SAPS to provide support to its Interior Security in their mission to ensure a safe and secure event, at the cost of the French Government.
The 15 members, which include seven females and eight males, will commence their functions ahead of the Games which officially start on Friday, 26 July.
The police officers have been selected from all nine provinces and each boast more than 10 years’ experience in the Public Order Police unit.
Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony details
Masemola says the opportunity to deploy members on a global stage is an opportunity to share expertise and knowledge to enhance SAPS crowd management capabilities.
“Our Public Order Police officers have been involved in the policing of several world class events including the BRICS summit and AGOA which took place without incident and disruptions. We are confident that this opportunity will allow members to come back to share and transfer skills and knowledge to other members which will assist us in enhancing the policing of large gatherings and crowds”, said Masemola.
The opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics 2024 will start at 19:30 (SA time) on Friday on SuperSport channel 201.
It’s set to be the first time in history that it will be held outside of a stadium.
The traditional parade of athletes will take place in boats along the River Seine, passing several iconic Parisian landmarks.