Cape Agulhas Bolsters Urban and Rural Safety Through Peace Officer Program

In an effort to bolster urban and rural security within the Cape Agulhas municipal area, 20 new Peace Officers (POs) celebrated their graduation in Bredasdorp on Tuesday, 19 March 2024. This latest cohort of trained officers, composed of 9 women and 11 men, underwent extensive training from February 5 to March 15, 2024, at the municipally provided Glaskasteel sports complex.

Their certification marks the culmination of a broader effort across the Overberg region wherein a total of 73 POs have been prepared to serve in various municipalities. Prior graduates included 19 in Swellendam and 18 in Theewaterskloof in December 2023, as well as 16 in Overstrand earlier the previous year. These officers are all pivotal additions to their communities, appointed to enhance safety measures and effectively combat crime.

The PO program is a strategic component of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP), which was engineered to fortify municipal law enforcement capacity within the province. It aims to tackle prevalent safety issues and criminal activities by training peace officers who are well-versed in the complexities of law enforcement in both urban and rural settings.

Each graduate, in line with the program's comprehensive approach, has not only received a Certificate from the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) but also a 12-month Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contract. These contracts, which essentially operate as internships within their respective municipalities, are designed to provide hands-on experience and pave the way for future employment opportunities.

The graduation of these peace officers underscores the Western Cape Government's commitment of more than R1.3 million invested into the initiative. This financial dedication speaks to the realm of possibilities for community safety enhancement through professionally structured training and capacity building.

With these freshly minted law enforcement officials now stepping into their roles, the WCG is making a clear statement about its commitment to reducing crime rates and bolstering the sense of security among the residents of Cape Agulhas and the greater Overberg region.