20 New Peace Officers Graduate in Bergrivier to Boost Community Safety

In a significant step toward enhancing public safety and empowering local youth, Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has welcomed the graduation and deployment of 20 newly trained peace officers in the Bergrivier Municipality. This development is part of a wider strategic initiative to strengthen law enforcement at the grassroots level across the Western Cape.

The peace officers, who have now officially joined the ranks of local law enforcement, represent a tangible investment in safer, more resilient communities—particularly in smaller towns and rural areas where resources are often limited.

Part of a Five-Year Strategy for Safer Municipalities

The graduation forms part of the Western Cape Government’s five-year strategic plan, which is aimed at expanding the presence and effectiveness of law enforcement through partnerships with local municipalities. The goal is clear: to create a safer Western Cape for all residents by capacitating municipalities with properly trained and certified peace officers.

The newly appointed officers underwent a rigorous 30-day training programme facilitated by the City of Cape Town’s accredited Public Training College. The course, which is fully accredited by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), equips trainees with the knowledge and skills required to perform duties as peace officers and traffic wardens.

This dual certification means graduates are not only authorized to enforce municipal by-laws but also to assist with traffic control, crime prevention, and public engagement efforts—thereby serving as multi-functional assets within their communities.

Ceremony Marks a Milestone in Local Safety Investment

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, MEC Anroux Marais praised the efforts of the new peace officers and emphasized their broader role in community development, beyond law enforcement.

“You are here not only to maintain order but also to build trust, foster relationships, and help create safer, more connected communities, where residents can live and move freely,” she told the graduates.

Marais underscored that peace officers are expected to serve with integrity, honour, and courage, setting a standard of professionalism and respect in their daily interactions with the public.

Empowering Youth and Building Career Pathways

The Peace Officer Training Project, championed by the Western Cape Government, is not just about enhancing safety—it is also about youth empowerment and job creation. Marais highlighted that this initiative provides young people with formal qualifications, enabling them to enter the field of law enforcement or other public safety sectors with a competitive edge.

“The training and certification these peace officers have received enhances their employability and opens doors to future careers,” said Marais. “The Western Cape government remains committed to investing in youth and building safer communities. Safer communities support a stronger economy, as people are more likely to invest and create jobs when they feel safe.”

Peace Officers as Frontline Community Builders

Peace officers serve as vital links between law enforcement and communities. By fostering trust and strengthening social cohesion, they play a preventative role in curbing crime and addressing issues like:

• Public disorder

• Illicit dumping

• Speeding and road safety violations

• Youth engagement in high-risk areas

The appointment of officers in Bergrivier is also expected to bolster the capacity of local safety stakeholders, such as neighbourhood watches and community policing forums, who often work in collaboration with peace officers to maintain order and ensure the wellbeing of residents.

Continued Expansion Across the Province

The Bergrivier cohort joins a growing number of municipalities benefiting from the Peace Officer Training Project. As part of its ongoing rollout, the Western Cape Government plans to scale up the programme, targeting other areas with limited access to municipal safety resources.

With crime prevention remaining a top priority for provincial leadership, community-based safety strategies, anchored by initiatives like this, are central to the Western Cape’s broader vision for security, inclusion, and economic development.