Crime prevention strategies the subject of learners’ district-level debates

The Douglasdale Junior Commissioner Project is an excellent initiative aimed at engaging young learners in discussions about crime and its prevention.

June 8, 2023

Anelisa Samsam 1 minute read

Sergent Duduzile Hlatshwayo, Warrant Officer Nicholus Mokwena, the winner of Junior Commissioner Station Commander from Fourways High School, Brigadier Shani Arikum and Captain Mpho Tshetlhane.

The Douglasdale Junior Commissioner Project is an excellent initiative. Its aim is to engage young learners in discussions about crime and its prevention. By involving learners in the selection of problematic schools in their policing area and choosing the best learners to represent each school; the project helps promote a sense of responsibility and ownership among the learners towards their community’s safety.

The project selects four problematic schools in the Douglasdale policing area, and four of the best learners in Grades 8 and 9 are chosen from each school. All sixteen scholars will be debating the topic ‘How best to deal with crime at schools’.

Douglasdale police officers with learners from Fourways High School, Northriding High School and Boipuso High School.

The debate topic, “How best to deal with crime at schools,” is crucial as it encourages learners to think critically about the various strategies that can be employed to prevent and combat crime in their community. Through this exercise, learners can gain a better understanding of the root causes of crime and the role they can play in addressing them.

Lizzy Mabena, Chairperson of Douglasdale CPF Exco said, “It was a privilege to adjudicate over the debate and select the best learners who will represent Douglasdale Policing Precinct. It’s important that from a young age, we are inclusive of the youth in matters of crime fighting and crime awareness.

“Learners had an opportunity to delve into the topic and speak of matters that affect their everyday schooling life and changes they will implement as Ambassador for change amongst their peers and now as Junior Commissioner in their school and community.”

CPF Exco Chairperson Lizzy Mabena, the winner of Junior Commissioner Detective-Commander, Jennet Smith of Stadio University with Brigadier Shani Arikum.

By competing with learners from other policing stations at the district level, the participants can gain exposure to different perspectives and ideas. This competition can also foster healthy competition and teamwork among learners from different schools, leading to a stronger sense of community within the policing district.

The Douglasdale Junior Commissioner Project is an excellent initiative that empowers young learners to become active participants in their community’s safety and security. It serves as a remarkable example of how education and community engagement can help prevent crime and create a safer and more secure society.

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