Ntwaagae Seleka

Ntwaagae Seleka

Tyres screeching, police sirens, stunt bullet shots, grenades, highly trained dogs sniffing drugs and the chasing of "criminals" brought the sleepy Phiritona township in Heilbron, Free State, to life.

Residents and people from neighbouring areas were stunned when the "life threatening" show happened in front of their eyes.

Ululations, whistling and applause were their reaction to the event.

The show was a career exhibition organised by the Ngwathe local municipality, SAPS, South African National Defence Force, emergency services and Free State departments of transport and safety and correctional services.

The aim was to empower the unemployed and disadvantaged youth as well as encourage pupils to join the security forces after completing matric.

Members of the police task force stole the show when they put on a remarkable display of how dangerous their work was when arresting organised and armed criminals.

Police and correctional services' dogs also showed off their skills in combating crime.

Emergency personnel dazzled onlookers when they showed how they save lives during accidents.

The departments' representatives explained to the people how to join them and about other career paths.

Ngwathe local municipality mayor Moeketsi Moshodi saidthe programme was launched to make the youth aware of careers in the security forces.

Moshodi said his municipality had a mandate to develop the youth and shape their career paths.

Brigadier-General Thandi Mohale and Director Dineo Ntshea encouraged the youth to join the defence force and police

Gone are the days when unskilled people were joining these services, they said.