39 Peace Officers graduate across three municipalities

39 Peace Officers (POs) who graduated from the Peace Officer programme, will now assist their respective municipalities to ensure greater safety for citizens and residents.

These POs, who received their certificates between 20 – 24 March 2023, are from Ceres in the Witzenberg Municipal area, where 7 graduated, Stellenbosch, where 15 graduated and Piketberg in the Bergrivier Municipal area, where 17 graduated.

This PO-programme forms part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP), which prioritises the strengthening of Municipal Law Enforcement capacity across the Western Cape, particularly to enhance urban/rural safety and combat crime within communities. Just under R 2,5 million is being invested in these officers.

The 30-day programme which ran from 06 February - 17 March 2023 at the Porter Estate in Tokai, provided individuals with the capability to demonstrate and understand the role and function of a Peace officer and Traffic Warden. The following criteria was 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 & 341 administrative notices;

• 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 municipality.

By bringing all aspects and roleplayers together in the safety space, we can ensure that we strengthen our efforts to combat crime, achieve safer communities and enable job training opportunities as well.