police forces with traditional weapons and small arms, 34 miners were shot dead by SAPS members and another 78 miners were injured. This became known as the Marikana Massacre. 24 November 2012 Protea Coin cash compound, Robertsville, western Johannesburg. At around 17:00, the Special Task Force confronted a group of 20 heavily armed cash-in-transit robbers in a foiled robbery. After the robbers were cornered and opened fire on the members of the Task Force, they returned fire killing seven and wounding nine of the robbers. None of the Task Force members were injured in the shootout. December 2013 The Special Task Force was deployed to provide additional security when about 91 heads of state and leaders attended the state memorial service of Nelson Mandela and his funeral after he died on 5 December 2013. 10 December 2016 Eight suspected ATM bombers were killed in a shoot-out when Special Task Force officers intercepted them as they were travelling to Howick. No Special Task Force members were injured. Recruitment and training Prospective members have to be at least 21 years old and must have served at least two years in the South African Police Service. The volunteer must also show certain traits such as: Physical strength and ability A sense of responsibility Mental Endurance Maturity Leadership skills Sound judgement Perseverance Rational and methodical thinking Handling stress Observation and orientation skills Applicants for a career in the Special Task Force must be: Willing to undergo and pass psychometric evaluations; Medically fit (with doctor's recommendations); Able to and skilled at swimming; Prepared to undergo training for nine months, (basic & advanced training); Voluntary applicants; Permanent members of the SAPS with the rank of constable, sergeant or inspector; Comply with the specific physical requirements for male or female candidates respectively; and Prepared to do advanced courses for three years. All Task Force applicants are volunteers and have to comply with stringent physical requirements before being admitted to the basic training and selection course. The basic training course is twenty-six weeks long and includes weapons, rural and urban combat as well as basic parachute training courses. Compulsory advanced courses include special skills such as diving, VIP protection, explosives and medical training. The initial training period is nine months, but completing all the requisite advanced courses to become a full-fledged Special Task Force operational member may last up to three years. Highlighting the stringent selection process during