Learners from several schools in the Carletonville area took part in the SAPS’s Junior Commissioner Project this week.

The bright young learners from Hoërskool Carletonville, Hoërskool Wonderfontein, and Letsatsing Combined School at Letsatsing Village in East Driefontein took part in the action on March 6.

According to the Carletonville SAPS Social Crime Prevention and Domestic Violence Coordinator, Sergeant Thabo Mathebula, the purpose of the project is to empower young people to take part in crime prevention and to foster leadership, mentorship, and ethical values within schools and communities.

It also helps to reduce school violence and form a bridge with the authorities.

The participants debated about the crimes occurring at their schools, proposing solutions and showcasing their skills. A panel of judges that included SAPS officials, Miss Onika Mogomotsi of the Department of Community Safety, and Asanda Mgidlana, the outgoing junior Vispol Commissioner, assessed their leadership and communication skills as well as other factors such as eye contact and posture.

After the afternoon’s intense debating, Lizalise Magwanya won the position as Junior Station Commander, while Reratiloe Moiloa won that of the new Junior Visible Policing (Vispol) Commander. Bonolo Diethane is the new Junior Detective Commander, while Minathi Mfubesi is the new Junior Support Services Commander.

All the participants received certificates of recognition and medals, and the top four winners were given recognition as safety ambassadors by the Department of Community Safety.

The Carletonville winners will now proceed to the provincial level of the programme, and if they win there, stand a chance of becoming national Junior Commissioners.