On the 17th of January 2023, over 200 candidates went through the written interview and fitness test which was held at Modderbee correctional services, Benoni. This was the first fitness test to appoint 6000 crime prevention officers over the next few months in Gauteng.
In an attempt to combat the rise of crime, Premier Panyaza Lusufi had announced that young, fit, and agile officers would be appointed.
Attesting to the above statement the test criteria were put in motion. It consisted of five stages, starting with a 2.5-kilometer run, Sit-ups (52 for males and 40 for females), push-ups (52 for males and 40 females), shuttle runs, and a 4-kilometer walk.
The standard requirement for the fitness test was that the candidates do as best as they could and also try successfully completing three of the stages.
“We have been encouraging the candidates to imagine themselves fighting crime in Gauteng because it is our main aim and objective, to ensure that our province is safe and secure for all who live in it,” explained the communications liaison of the eastern corridor in Gauteng.
Amongst other strategies that have been employed to tackle crime, the recruitment of these crime prevention officers will enhance the force of law in society and deal with crime firsthand.
The MEC of Community Safety said, “We urge the community to have faith in these programs and not be negative towards them, let us rather be optimistic if We want a safe and secure Gauteng.”
She also added in conclusion that fighting crime is not only the responsibility of the department of law enforcement but rather the responsibility of the community at large as law enforcement multipliers. She said we should help the law hold those who are accountable for crime by letting the police know whatever information is crucial to such cases.
By Rhulani Fundzama
