Cape Town: The Law Enforcement School Resource Officers (SROs) held their second netball tournament at Bellville Sports Ground. 10 high school teams and 145 players participated in this fantastic event, organised to positively engage learners and build community. It’s a great example of a ‘whole of society’ approach to safety and security, diverting young people from risk.
The School Resource Officers organised an event and saw 10 teams go toe-to-toe in a mini tournament at the Bellville Sports Ground, last weekend. The Law Enforcement School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit was at the forefront of Safety and Security’s social crime prevention efforts.
Reportedly, the unit started as an intervention to address the anti-social behaviour at high-risk schools. While officers deal with many serious issues, many others have also implemented very successful cultural and sporting programmes to positively engage the learners in their areas of deployment.
In one of the most recent examples, a group of SROs banded together to organise their second netball tournament, assisted by Metro Police, Disaster Risk Management, Western Province Netball and Councillor Mercia Kleinsmith.
Further, the event attracted 145 players from 10 high schools: Arcadia; Beauvallon; Bonteheuwel; Bulumko; Crystal High; Elswood; Heathfield; Intshukumo; Joe Slovo and Phoenix High. To make the day even more memorable, the event was held in Bellville, in an effort to broaden the learners’ horizons. The first tournament was held in Bishop Lavis in August 2025.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith stated that much of the work in enforcement revolves around removing dangerous criminals from the streets. Very often, critics speak of the need for more, as a whole of society approach.
According to Smith, this netball tournament embodies a whole of society mindset, but one example of the many programmes run or supported by the Safety and Security Directorate and other City departments, where the sole aim is diverting communities, and young people in particular, from risk. Smith commended the officers who organised this magnificent event and are looking forward to the next one.