The Garden Route area in South Africa has been constantly striving to improve its safety measures. In line with this, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen recently celebrated the graduation of 40 Peace Officers (PO’s) in the province. This initiative forms a crucial part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP).

Intensive Training Program

The newly graduated Peace Officers underwent an intensive training program at Mossel Bay’s Bnei Akiva campsite. The training program lasted between March 27 to May 12, 2023. The coursework covered a wide range of topics, including understanding the principles of criminal law and the Constitution, mastering practical skills, and adhering to professional conduct and organizational ethics.

Certification and Internship

Upon completing the training, the new PO’s received a Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) Certificate. Additionally, they were granted a 12-month Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contract/internship with their respective municipalities.

Commendations from Premier Winde and Minister Allen

During the graduation ceremony, Premier Winde commended the graduates for their commitment to combating crime and enhancing safety measures in the province. He emphasized that these graduates serve as living representations of the WCSP, further steering the province towards a safer environment for all residents.

Echoing these sentiments, Minister Reagen Allen urged communities across the Western Cape to join forces with various safety stakeholders. This vital collaborative effort aims to achieve a significant reduction in the murder rate by 50% by 2029, ensuring that streets, neighborhoods, and communities become safer spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Government Investment

The Western Cape Government has invested over R 2.2 million in these officers across three municipal areas this year. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to creating a safer province for all citizens.

Symbolizing a Critical Element of Broader Safety Initiatives

As the newly trained PO’s commence their professional journeys, they symbolize a critical element of the broader safety initiatives taking place throughout the Western Cape. The implementation of these efforts will ultimately lead to a more secure and prosperous region for all its residents.

Ongoing Support and Collaboration

It is crucial to recognize that the effectiveness of these initiatives is contingent on the ongoing support and collaboration between the government, law enforcement agencies, and local communities. Thus, it is important to continue and strengthen these safety initiatives in the Garden Route area.