The provincial minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, welcomed the graduation of 20 new peace officers (POs) and their deployment in the Bergrivier municipal area.
The recruitment and training of these officers form part of the department’s five-year strategic plan to strengthen and support local law-enforcement capacity in municipalities across the province, enabling them to build a safer Western Cape together.
At the City of Cape Town’s accredited Public Training College they completed a 30-day Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta)-accredited programme.
On completion of the course the officers were formally certified as both peace officers and traffic wardens in and around Piketberg and Porterville.
Addressing the graduates on parade, Marais reminded them that their role went far beyond enforcing the law. “You are here not only to maintain order, but to build trust, foster relationships and help create safer, more connected communities where residents can live and move around freely.”
She also encouraged the POs to serve with honour, courage and distinction. “The training and certification these young officers have earned not only make them more employable, but open doors to future careers in law enforcement and public safety.
“The Western Cape government remains committed to investing in youth and building safer communities through such initiatives as our Peace Officer Training Project. Safer communities support a stronger economy, because when people feel safe they are more likely to invest, and that drives job creation.”
