Cape Town – The presence of US Marines on Muizenberg Beach sparked curiosity among residents this week, but the City of Cape Town says the visit formed part of ongoing international cooperation to strengthen local policing.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, confirmed that the US Marines were in the area to train Metro Police cadets, specifically focusing on fitness.
“If the sight caused some confusion, here’s why – we regularly accept assistance from international policing agencies as they support us in creating South Africa’s most reputable municipal policing service,” Smith said in a Facebook post.
According to Smith, the Marines took cadets through their “standard fitness routine” as part of efforts to build a stronger and more capable force.
The training forms part of broader collaborations with international partners, which include skills development in areas such as cybercrime, kidnapping, poaching, narcotics and investigative techniques.
“From specialised training in cyber crime, kidnapping, poaching, narcotics, investigation techniques, we are always trying to lift the bar,” Smith said.
He added that physical fitness has become a key focus within the directorate.
“Fitness is a culture we have introduced within our directorate and strongly endorse amongst our members. Fit for purpose,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
