Metro gives former military combatants a lifeline

This will enable them to prepare to assist the EMPD in its work to maintain order within communities.

“The programme is aimed at curbing general disorder and lack of compliance with the municipal and national laws that have been enacted to ensure an orderly and peaceful society,” said Themba Gadebe, Ekurhuleni media liaison.

Among other courses, the military veterans will receive training on by-law education enforcement in Ekurhuleni communities; they will also be enlisted into the metro’s Peace Corps programme.

“The duties of the Peace Corps officers include crime prevention through foot patrols and assisting in by-law education and enforcement of traffic control,”said Gadebe.

“This will be done through point duty, including school points, assisting Metro Police officers at gatherings and events, social crime prevention and reporting service delivery issues to relevant Ekurhuleni departments.”

While addressing the veterans on July 29, Mthuthuzeli Siboza, member of the mayoral committee on community safety, said the veterans should charge their duties with respect and dignity by reflecting the values of law enforcing organisations.

“While it is not the municipality’s competency to deal matters of the liberation struggle fighters, the metro has seen it necessary to respond to the plight of former combatants in the area of Ekurhuleni,” said Siboza.

One of the recruits, Nhlanhla Khanye, is set on rooting out the use of the nyaope drug within communities.

“We are very happy for this opportunity to serve our communities and work with residents to rid our communities of the scourge of nyope,” said Khanye.