37 Peace Officers graduate in Swellendam and Theewaterskloof

Statement by Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen

37 Peace Officers graduate in Swellendam and Theewaterskloof
 
The Swellendam and Theewaterskloof municipal areas are now in a stronger position to combat crime after 37 Peace Officers (PO’s) graduated from the PO-programme. This past Monday and Tuesday, 19 PO’s officially graduated in Swellendam and 18 in Theewaterskloof respectively. 

For the Overberg region we have now completed PO training and placement of 54 PO’s. This includes the 37 as stated, along with 16 in Overstrand, who graduated earlier this year. The first quarter of 2024 will see a further 20 PO’s being trained in the Cape Agulhas municipal area, expanding our efforts to create safer communities.

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. More than a combined R 2,6 million is being invested in these officers.

The officers were trained between 26 October and 8 December 2023 in Swellendam and Caledon, with venues being provided by the respective municipalities. The training 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 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 municipality.

I wish these officers well in their new role. Along with their families, they can be proud of their achievements. I call on the communities of Swellendam and Theewaterskloof to support the efforts of our PO’s. This will go a long way in assisting safety efforts in the respective areas, district and province. Our ultimate aim is to ensure the Western Cape becomes the safer province where our residents can flourish.