THE short training period of only six weeks for MK veterans before joining the metro police, is a cause of concern for the DA in Ekurhuleni.
Michele Clarke, MPL DA spokesman for community safety, said questions posed to Gauteng MEC for community safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, only raised further questions and concerns.
“According to the MEC, the peace corps programme is designed for former MK veterans to assist Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department with general law enforcement. However, the MEC indicated they would undergo only six weeks of training and thereafter have powers of arrest,” she said.
“It is difficult to believe that individuals would have a true grasp of the Criminal Procedures Act and proper arresting techniques after such a short training period. If arresting processes are not followed strictly, there is a risk that criminal cases may be thrown out of court,” she said.
“The MEC also failed to indicate the age of these individuals who should, if they are true veterans, be at least middle-aged and not necessarily physically able to cope with criminal police work.
She will submit further questions to the MEC to establish:
1. On what basis it was decided that six weeks of training was an adequate time period to master the Criminal Procedures Act and arresting procedures
2. Whether the peace corps are expected to carry firearms
3. If so, will the veterans undergo proper firearms and competency training in accordance with the Firearms Control Act
4. Who the issuing authority for firearms will be
5. If the recruits are truly MK veterans, whether their physical fitness and condition will not hinder their intended purpose
“While the DA supports all measures to combat crime in South Africa, the peace corps raises more concerns than anything else. We hope that this is a genuine attempt at improving public safety and not a jobs-for-pals scheme which will place the public at risk and undermine the criminal justice system,” she said.
