The metro is yet to respond to questions sent on Monday on the matter. OFM News previously reported that the more than 100 young men and women, who joined the metro’s 2019/20 traffic learnership programme, were either unemployed, had left jobs, or halted tertiary studies, all with the hope of a better life following their training. 

This dream all came crashing down as the coronavirus pandemic hit the country, and the lockdown forced the academy to bring training to a complete halt.

One anonymous trainee tells OFM News they were earning a R 2500 monthly stipend as a part of the rigorous learnership, which began in July 2019. However, questions are now mounting as to whether they will continue receiving said stipend even though their contacts ended at the end of June, or will they be absorbed into the Mangaung Metro Traffic Department? They have not received any communication indicating either. 

The Free State Police, Roads and Transport Department tells OFM News the learnership does not fall under them and queries need to be redirected to the Mangaung Metro. To date, Mangaung is yet to comment on the matter.

The trainees are doubtful they will be absorbed, seeing as members of the class prior to them remain unemployed. Statements made by MEC of Police, Roads and Transport, Sam Mashinini, last week have also added to the doubt. OFM News reported Mashinini assured the Mangaung Metro Special Council Sitting that the Mangaung Metro Police Services is still very much on the cards but cautioned that they needed to make some sacrifices to do so. He told the council that the metro will have to do with its current traffic officers and ensure that it does not incur extra remuneration costs until the metro police is well established. 

Presenting a progress report before the council last week Tuesday, Mashinini revealed that the National Police Commissioner approved the establishment of the Mangaung Metro Police on 7 January 2020. He, however, explained that the commissioner had previously raised concerns with the rank structure of the metro police in the province, insignia, and financial viability of the municipality.

OFM News