- Sanele Mthombeni shared a photo of his homeboy Msiza graduating while proudly wearing his SAPS uniform
- The post drew attention for the officer's bold decision to combine his police uniform with his graduation gown
- South Africans flooded the comments to celebrate the milestone, with many debating whether the dress code was allowed
A South African Police Service officer from Jukulyn turned heads at his graduation ceremony by showing up in full uniform alongside his academic gown, and the photo has since set the internet alight.
Source: Facebook
Sanele Mthombeni posted the image on Facebook on 15 October 2026, captioning it: "From the dusty streets of Jukulyn to the world 🙌🥹❤️ Congratulations Homeboy." The post quickly drew a wave of reactions from people who were moved by the moment.
The graduate, identified by his name badge as Msiza, appeared beaming with pride as he posed in his SAPS uniform, gown in tow. The photo by Sanele Mthombeni also sparked a lively debate about police dress code, with some wondering whether officers are officially permitted to wear graduation gowns over their uniforms. See the Facebook post that got Mzansi talking:
Mzansi react to SAPS graduate
South Africans in the comments on Sanele Mthombeni's Facebook post had plenty to say:
One commenter, Mahlatse Rantji, put it best, writing that Msiza was making sure no one could ever call him
"Le grade 12," adding: "Don't you dare call him le grade 12, can't you see that the man is a graduate now? Congratulations, my brother."
Mphephetse Ntobeko LaVilakati wrote:
"I wanted to grad with my uniform soooo. But nooo."
MayDee Paula asked:
"Do police get permission to wear a graduation gown with uniform?"
Sakhi Mnisi shared:
"Congratulations, man. But you don't mix uniform with anything not related to it. You had to hold the gown on your arm if you wanted to showcase. 🤝"
Refilwe Tshelane wrote:
"I don't know him neh, mara when he was marching on that stage I knew that he's proud of himself. Congratulations, stranger 🥳"
Tha To added:
"Now he can study, shame on the jealous ones, we've heard enough about you grade 12 people. Congratulations, weso."
Other Briefly News stories about SAPS
- A newly qualified female SAPS officer went viral on TikTok after celebrating her police academy graduation by performing a spirited, informal marching drill for cheering family and friends at home.
- Constable Stephen Koloku, a drill instructor at the Tshwane SAPS Academy and former detective at the Etwatwa Detective Branch, earned widespread praise after highlighting his extensive academic credentials.
- A young female South African Police Service (SAPS) constable captured hearts online after sharing a TikTok video (@zintress1) showing her wearing her full ceremonial police uniform to her UNISA graduation ceremony.
Source: Briefly News
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