The Cape Agulhas municipal area is now in a stronger position to combat crime after 20 peace officers (POs) graduated in Bredasdorp last week.
This brings the number of peace officers who have completed their training and been placed in posts in the Overberg region to a total of 73 peace officers. This includes the 19 in Swellendam municipal area, 18 in Theewaterskloof who graduated in December 2023, and 16 in Overstrand who graduated early last year.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen said the PO programme forms part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP), which prioritises the strengthening of municipal law enforcement capacity and aims to enhance urban/rural safety and combat crime in communities. More than R1,3 million is being invested in this programme.
The officers were trained between 5 February and 15 March at the Glaskasteel sports complex in Bredasdorp. It provided individuals with the capacity to understand and demonstrate the role and function of a peace officer and traffic warden.
The following criteria were covered:
• Law Enforcement and the Constitution;
• The Constitution of South Africa 108 of 1995;
• Principles of criminal law and rules of interpretation of law;
• Outline of the law of criminal procedure;
• Legislation and the national road traffic act pertaining to traffic wardens;
• Schedule 1 and 3 offences;
• Law of Evidence and Criminal Courts;
• Practical: 56 and 341 administrative notices and
• Adherence to professional conduct and organisational ethics.
Along with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta) certificate, graduates also received a 12-month Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contract/internship within the respective municipalities.
“I congratulate these officers for completing this course and wish them well on their new and important journey,” said Allen. “I am particularly proud that this group consists of 9 women and 11 men. The manner in which the POs have been upskilled and empowered, and the further experience they will gain over the next twelve months will ensure that they are able to take up further job opportunities when it becomes available.
