Over 500 metro police officers graduate to boost festive season safety

Over 500 Metro Police Officers graduated on Monday (November 9). eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said they will soon hit the streets to ensure communities are safe this festive season and beyond.

Mayor Xaba was speaking at the graduation ceremony of officers by the city’s Metro Police. He urged the new officers to always maintain high standards of professionalism, dignity, and integrity when executing their duties.

“Remain firm when enforcing compliance with the city’s by-laws. We welcome the new recruits, and their deployment reaffirms our commitment to strengthening safety and security in the city. We remain committed to making the city safer for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Xaba. “I further urge our other law enforcement officers to remain alert and continue their efforts to fight crime.”

Head of the Metro Police Commissioner, Mr Sibonelo Mchunu, said the recruitment of the 500 officers was “just the beginning” of efforts to bolster crime fighting initiatives. Their deployment comes as more than 150 vehicles have been procured to bolster the Metro Police fleet as well as the rollout of the smart policing system, said Commissioner Mchunu.

“With the recruitment of the new officers, the city is demonstrating its commitment to reaching its 2030 goal. The Metro Police is proud to be part of the efforts in this regard,” he added. “We congratulate the newly elected authorised officers and wish them well on their journey.”