Central Karoo District receives safety boost from Western Cape Government

This past Friday, 17 May 2024, the Western Cape Government (WCG) continued to boost safety and empower districts, after Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, handed over a drone to the Central Karoo District Municipality (CKDM). In addition to this, 24 Peace Officers (POs) also graduated in Beaufort West. This brings the number of POs who have graduated over the last three weeks to 69, after 15 and 30 POs recently graduated in Vredendal and Robertson, respectfully.

Of the Robertson POs, 11 are allocated to the Breede Valley and 19 to the Langeberg municipal areas. The Vredendal POs who were selected in the Matzikama municipal area have been deployed in Vredendal (8), Van Rhynsdorp (2), Bitterfontein (2) and Lutzville (3).

In Beaufort West, the POs are deployed in:

• Rustdene (5), Murraysburg (1), Beaufort West (17), Nelspoort (1).

This PO-programme forms part of the Western Cape Safety Plan, which prioritises the strengthening of Municipal Law Enforcement capacity across the province, particularly to enhance urban and /rural safety and combat crime within communities. More than R 1,5 million is being invested in this programme, which runs between now and 14 May 2025.

The officers were trained between 02 April and 14 May 2024 in Beaufort West, with the training venue being provided by the Beaufort West Municipality. 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.

Minister Reagen Allen said, “as the WCG we have been clear that that creating safer communities across the province remains a priority for us. Just as we empowered all other district municipalities and SANParks with drones, we stated that a handover will also occur with the CKDM. It is of utmost importance to us that the drone is optimally used to combat crime and assist in disaster relief efforts. The residents of the Central Karoo should feel and see the technology in action.”

“I am immensely proud of the young men and women who successfully completed the PO programme. Just as with other parts of the province, the WCG is ensuring that residents benefit from this programme. I am looking forward to witnessing how these POs will now also contribute to achieving greater safety within the municipality and our province,” added Minister Reagen Allen.

Minister Reagen Allen continued; “As the WCG, we will continue to provide opportunities to our residents, particularly our youth, so that they are upskilled and empowered. This is very important, especially considering the further experience they will gain over the next twelve months, which will ensure that they are able to take up further job opportunities when it becomes available.”

“I urge families, loved ones and the residents of the Beaufort West to support the efforts of our PO’s, as they have a huge task ahead of them. This will go a long way in assisting them to become effective in their duties and help to create safer communities. We want our residents to flourish, while also enhancing safety efforts,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.