The Matjhabeng Local Municipality has gone the extra mile to beef up its public safety directorate to fight crime, curb cable theft, instill discipline and enforce by-laws within the municipality.
The recent appointment of 160 security officers is an effort to increase and empower the directorate which has been operating on a staff comprised of only 59 officers. The last intake of about 30 officers was back in 2006.
The officers will work in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, such as the police, to curb crimes like theft, vandalism of municipal infrastructure, cable theft, and violent crimes including gender-based violence, among others.
The 160 security officers are locals who have a background in law enforcement. They are from security companies, as well as police services, and will undergo training in the army for one month to fortify them further.
“Discipline will be the order of the day in this municipality, theft and ill discipline will not be tolerated. Remember you must lead by example”, said executive mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha as he welcomed the new recruits.
Executive Director for Community Services, adv. Lauretta Van Wyk urged the officers to grab this opportunity with both hands. “You are part of history in the making; we have never had such a big intake of security officers. You are lucky to be part of it and you should make it count.”
Most of the problems the municipality has faced in the past were attributed to the small number of security officers. The new recruits will be deployed in all six units of Matjhabeng while an additional 40 officers will receive extensive training and form part of the specialised crime unit.
The new recruits will be employed on a six-month probation period.
