Pinelands police strengthen community safety with new youth leaders

Two young women are stepping into the frontline of youth crime prevention in Pinelands, armed with fresh training and a mandate to transform how the community engages with its most vulnerable residents.

Pinelands police have welcomed newly appointed youth commissioner Mia-Rae Hopley and youth desk crime investigator Waka Mokometse, who will assist in serving and supporting the local community.

The pair recently completed a capacity-building training workshop hosted by the Cape Town Sub-District Community Policing Forum (CPF) on Saturday, January 31, at the Chrysalis Academy offices in Tokai.

In a statement, the Pinelands CPF said the training initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing youth crime and strengthening community involvement within the precinct. Youth desk members must be between 15 and 25 years old.

“The workshop was designed to equip the Youth Commissioner and their team with essential skills and knowledge, focusing on understanding youth crime trends, providing support, acting as a voice of advocacy, and taking practical action within the community,” the statement said.

Mia-Rae, a pupil at Cannons Creek Independent School, said her role as youth commissioner will allow her to work closely with other young people to educate them about the law. She said she is excited and honoured to have been elected to the position.

“I will help create engaging programmes to prevent crime and serve as a link between young people and the police,” she said.

Mia-Rae added that she hopes to encourage her peers to become actively involved in making their neighbourhood safer.

Waka, who is currently completing an internship at Pinelands Police Station after finishing school, said she is determined to make a meaningful difference in the community. In her role as a youth desk crime investigator, she will focus on investigating youth-related crimes such as bullying, cybercrime, and gang-related activities.

“I will work with schools, community groups, and the police to educate young people and help prevent youth crime,” she said. Waka also said that she will provide support to victims and their families.

The provincial MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, was present at the event and highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to community safety and youth empowerment.

Pinelands police station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Darleen Koopman, said she is encouraged by the appointment of the two youth ambassadors.

“Our generation is fading, so it will be the youth who need to step up,” she said.

Lieutenant Colonel Koopman added that police work with people from diverse backgrounds and that young ambassadors are well placed to understand and engage with youth issues.

“Through these two ambassadors, Pinelands police can better reach out to young people while continuing to serve the broader community,” she said.

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