Today marks the broadcast of the 50th edition of South African Police Service (SAPS)’ flagship television programme, When Duty Calls, since its first broadcast on 12 October 2009.
The programme was launched by the police leadership; Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, Deputy Minister Fikile Mbalula and the Commissioner of Police, General Bheki Cele in Krugersdorp, Gauteng on 8 October last year. Since then the programme has made significant and positive impacts on the public’s perception about the work of police in fighting crime.
“When we talk of fighting crime, toughly and smartly, this is one of the tools we are utilising to achieve this goal. When we launched the programme last year, we appealed to South Africans not to become passive viewers but active participants in working with police to apprehend some of the scoundrels who torment society,” stated Minister Mthethwa today.
“Almost a year later, we are pleased about the programme’s 50th edition and success. We believe that from here onwards, the programme must continue to become a nemesis to the criminals while at the same time, serve as a useful platform of hope to those who are affected by crime. As demonstrated by the recent crime statistics, it is through working together with society that government can succeed in dealing a deadly blow to criminals,” added the Minister.
Since the programme’s first broadcast, 114 people that have gone missing have been shown. Of these, 28 have been successfully reunited with their families as a direct result of the programme supported by viewers’ assistance. The same success can be attributed in terms of helping police nab some of the most dangerous and wanted criminals, most of who are currently behind bars.
When Duty Calls has further galvanised members of the public in reporting crime using the Crime Line SMS 32211 and the Crime Stop number: 0860 01 0111. In terms of viewership, When Duty Calls is currently reaching over 1 million viewers and ranked 7th on SABC 2’s top 10 performing programmes.
The success of this programme can mainly be attributed to its revamped content, production and analytical format. Prior to this overhaul, the programme was known as police file. As part of the SAPS’ holistic review of its communications tools, a need was identified to relook the programmes objectives and format; which needed to address the safety and security challenges facing society.
Watch When Duty Calls every Monday 6pm on SABC 2 and a repeat a week later on Soweto TV Channel 150 (DSTV) on Tuesdays from 18h15 to 18h45.
For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 045 4024
