The South African Police Service (SAPS) has strengthened its fight against serious and violent crime with the addition of two state-of-the-art helicopters and 12 armoured vehicles to its fleet.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the new resources – two H125: ZT-REC and ZS-HGA helicopters, along with 12 Marshall vehicles – will significantly enhance operational capacity, improve response times and bolster national security.
‘National security’
“This additional fleet will play a critical role in enhancing the SAPS’ operational capacity and capability, as well as strengthening national security,” Masemola said at the official handover ceremony on Friday.
He said the helicopters and vehicles will boost the work of specialised SAPS units, including the Special Task Force, Tactical Response Team, National Intervention Unit, Public Order Policing and Visible Policing.
“This new fleet will play a critical role in responding to organised crime incidents such as cash-in-transit heists, hijackings, armed robberies and other violent crimes. The helicopters will enable us to respond rapidly to crime scenes and serve the people of South Africa timeously and effectively,” Masemola said.
The Commissioner also linked the new equipment to the intensification of Operation Shanela II, a nationwide campaign targeting violent crime hotspots through raids, roadblocks and stop-and-search operations.
“Just this week, we arrested more than 17 247 suspects for various offences including the illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and drugs. This is the result of the tireless work of the men and women in blue across the country,” he said.
Necessary tools
Masemola thanked officers for their perseverance despite resource constraints, saying the new fleet was procured to ease their work and improve service delivery.
“We are striving to provide all necessary tools of trade to enable our members to perform their functions optimally. These resources should give you hope that management is doing its utmost to support you,” he told officers.
He reminded members who will operate the new equipment to exercise maximum care. The helicopters and vehicles will be distributed to specialised units across the country.
