THE city’s new JMPD recruits were welcomed in the South of Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
A total of 1 500 new JMPD trainee officers were inducted by city mayor Herman Mashaba alongside MMC for Public Safety, Clr Michael Sun at the JMPD Academy in Stafford.
The recruits were a promise that the city mayor fulfilled when, earlier this year, a target was set to recruit 1 500 new members to assist in the never-ending fight against crime. Mashaba in his address said they received a staggering 38 600 applications.
Noting that about 861 000 of Johannesburg’s residents did not have jobs, he said the youth unemployment rate stood at over 30 per cent.
He lauded the 1 500 new recruits and said they were fortunate to be among those who had ‘made the cut’.
“You may not know how to deal with all types of adverse situations yet, but if you uphold the oath of service and commit to keeping the citizens of Johannesburg safe, I know you will do the right thing.
“The residents of Johannesburg want safe streets. The City has allocated R131 million towards increasing the visibility of the JMPD in identified crime hotspots in the City. Ultimately, we will be spending R846 million on community safety over the medium term,” he said.
“As you begin your careers, you are going to meet immense challenges, and you are going to have to show what you are made of. I have every faith that you will make the City proud. Welcome to the City of Johannesburg,” Mashaba continued.
Nervous excitement could be seen on the faces of the recruits.
Some have come from as far as Prieska in the Northern Cape to join the JMPD.
New recruit, Justin Leroy Lengfred (26) from Prieska, said he applied last year and waited until the announcement for ‘1 500 recruits wanted’ came. He made sure he had his licence and got a call to come in for training.
“I feel very excited. I know fitness and strict rules have to become a part of every recruit. “I can communicate with every individual and am looking forward to the challenges,” said Langfred.
Over the next 18 months – from the beginning of January – they will undergo intense and rigorous training both in theory and practice to understand not only the Road Traffic Management Act and the South African Police Act, but everything pertaining to police ethics, criminal procedures, criminal evidence, firearm training, point duty, defensive driving and self-defence.
MMC Michael Sun advised the recruits: “As you stand here in the heat, think of your families, your situation and always remember this day as the first day in your life to becoming a police officer. No matter who leads this City, you have a huge responsibility to serve with pride and honesty. You have a responsibility to make a difference and to be mindful of temptation – always.”
The proceedings ended with a ceremonial handing over of letters of appointments as well as a symbolic handing over of the JMPD flag that signifies its ethos.
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