Safety strengthened in Overstrand and Drakenstein with Peace Officers

Joint statement: Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen

Yesterday, 33 Peace Officers (PO’s) graduated from the Peace Officer programme. 14 are from the Overstrand and 19 from the Drakenstein municipal areas. One of the 19 will be working in the Stellenbosch municipal area, after she fell ill during the training of the group from Stellenbosch and could initially not complete the course. 

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 1,8 million has been invested in the training, resourcing and development of these officers. 

Premier Alan Winde, who joined the Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen at the Drakenstein graduation in Paarl said: “Through the Peace Officer programme we are making a meaningful investment into uplifting communities. Our communities can only thrive if residents feel safe. To our PO graduates, wear your uniforms with distinction and do your job with pride. Feel proud that you are part of the solution to further driving down crime. Together, we are making a difference and you are a critical part of our safety plan. Our job is not easy. But we are making progress. We still have a very long way to go in our war against crime.” 

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “These graduations demonstrate the Western Cape Government’s commitment to creating safer communities. We want to ensure that officers are visible throughout the province to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS). This will go a long way in our continuous fight against crime. It does not get old to assist municipal areas with additional resources to create safer communities. 

Minister Reagen Allen added: “This is exactly how we will assist, support and manage SAPS when the service is devolved to us. We will ensure that they receive their required resources that they have the necessary equipment and is capacitated to be effective in combatting crime. Devolution of policing powers to the Western Cape government is urgently required if we are to achieve further success.” 

The 30-day training programme 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. 

“We will continue to invest in our young people by affording them these job opportunities, so that when further opportunities come around, they are equipped, empowered and able to fully utilise them. With SAPS under our management, we will use young PO’s such as these as a unit where new SAPS officers can be recruited from. We want all of our citizens to live in a safer and dignified manner,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen. 

Media Enquiries:  Marcellino Martin Spokesperson for Minister Reagen Allen Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za Tel: 021 482 0103 Cell: 082 721 3362