Bitou Municipality has welcomed the much-needed boost of 20 peace officers who start training today.
At the end of the six-week training, the group will assist Bitou to ensure greater safety for citizens and residents.
The Peace Officers- Traffic Warden training forms part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP), which prioritizes the strengthening of Municipal Law Enforcement capacity across the Western Cape, particularly to enhance urban/rural safety and combat crime within communities.
The two-component training will equip the individuals with the capability to demonstrate and understand the role and function of a Peace officer and Traffic Warden as well as
Bitou Executive Mayor, Dave Swart likened the training coming to Bitou from the Province to manna falling from heaven.
Speaking to the eager group Mayor Swart, encouraged the youth not to waste the opportunity that they have been granted.
He said: “You have been through a tough selection process, which has led you here.
“For those who foresee a future in law enforcement, this is the beginning,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Director of Community Services, Ms. Melony Paulsen agreed with Mayor Swart.
“We received many applicants for this and they must grab the opportunity with both hands.”
Director Paulsen also said Bitou was excited to be involved in the programme as it will not only benefit the municipality- but the individual as well.
Chief Law Enforcement, Siyasanga Vandala said they would start working in November.
“They will start working as we head into season which will help with the influx of visitors in our town,” he added.
Seargent Melonie Mason who had come from the City of Cape Town to conduct train the group said she had driven for two days to be in Bitou following the floods.
She said Mossel Bay who had benefited from the training previously wanted another round.
She said Knysna Municipality is also benefiting from the training.
She outlined the training that it will include:
• 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.
