Special Task Force (SAPS)

This article is about the South African police tactical unit. For other police units named "special task force", see Special Task Force.

Special Task Force
Security simulation at Air Force Base Swartkop
Active1976–present[1]
Country South Africa
AgencySouth African Police Service
TypePolice tactical unit Paramilitary unit
Role
Part ofSpecialised operations component[1]
Common nameTaakies
AbbreviationSTF
Structure
Operators93 (2021)[2]
Stations
Commanders
Notable
commanders
  • Major JJ de Swardt
  • Colonel Bert Wandrag
  • Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
Notables
Significant operation(s)Rhodesia

The Special Task Force (STF) is the elite Tier 1 police tactical unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Special Task Force handles high risk operations that fall beyond the scope of classic policing which require specialised skills.[4]

  1. ^ a b "SAPS welcomes first female Special Task Force (STF) member to complete STF selection training programme". South Africa Police Service (Press release). Office of the National Commissioner. 12 January 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  2. ^ "SAPS welcomes 11 operatives into the elite Special Task Force (STF) Unit". South African Police Service (Press release). Office of the National Commissioner. 9 September 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Media Invitation: SAPS to welcome 11 operatives into the elite Special Task Force (STF) Unit". South African Police Service (Press release). Office of the National Commissioner. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  4. ^ "Overview". South African Police Special Task Force – website is a private initiative established by former Operators. Retrieved 9 July 2017.