23 Peace Officers graduate in Mosselbay and George

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

The Mossel Bay and George municipal areas are now in a stronger position to combat crime after 23 Peace Officers (PO’s) graduated from the PO-programme. Yesterday, 13 PO’s were officially unveiled in Mossel Bay and 10 in George. 

I am looking forward to tomorrow, 17 May 2023, when a further 17 PO’s will also graduate in the Hessequa municipal area.

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 R 1,075 million is being invested in these officers.

The officers were trained between 27 March and 12 May 2023 at the Bnei Akiva campsite in Mossel Bay. 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;

• 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. I call on the communities of Mossel Bay and George to support the efforts of our PO’s. This will go a long way in ensuring that greater safety is achieved.