The South African Police Service (SAPS) is sending a delegation of 15 police officers to Paris to assist with policing functions during the 2024 Summer Olympics, which start today, Friday July 26.

The contingent of seven women and eight men are from the Public Order Police (POPs) unit.

National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola expressed his best wishes to the team, highlighting the significance of this international collaboration.

The SAPS is the sole law enforcement agency from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) participating in this initiative. This opportunity arose from a request by the French Government for international support in ensuring the safety and security of the Games.

The chosen officers, each with over a decade of experience in public order policing, hail from all nine provinces of South Africa.

SAPS spokesman Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the deployment to Paris was an exercise to show the SAPS’s commitment to global cooperation and knowledge exchange in crowd management.

General Masemola highlighted the invaluable experience this mission offers.

"Our Public Order Police officers have successfully managed several high profile events, such as the BRICS summit and AGOA, without incident. This opportunity to operate on a global stage will further enhance their skills and allow them to share new insights with their colleagues upon their return,” he said.

“To our men and women in blue, good luck and all the best on this mission. We trust you will represent South Africa with pride and professionalism. Keep flying the SAPS and SA flag high,” said General Masemola.

The deployment of these officers is funded by the French Government.

SAPS said the police officers have been selected from all nine provinces and each boast more than 10 years experience in the Public Order Police unit. Picture: SAPS

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SAPS delegation to assist at Paris Olympics