Durban — Thirty-six additional police vehicles will be added to the fleet of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli handed over 36 vehicles worth over R11 million, on Tuesday, to assist law enforcement in the execution of their duties and bolster crime-fighting initiatives.
Ntuli said this will enhance operational capacity. Ntuli said this milestone forms part of the province’s Crime-Fighting Business Plan, led by the Department of Community Safety and Liaison under the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster.
Ntuli stated that the Department of Community Safety and Liaison conducts regular station evaluation and monitoring to assess the functionality of all 184 police stations across the province. Ntuli said the KZN Provincial Executive Council made a decision to assist SAPS by donating vehicles which will be distributed to identified police stations across the province to enhance law enforcement capacity.
“Part of their findings during these assessments points out a common challenge of a notable shortage of vehicles needed by law enforcement officers to carry out their responsibilities of protecting the people of our province,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said it was common knowledge that the South African government is operating under extreme austerity measures due to financial constraints.
“However, we are grateful that the Provincial Government has been able to prioritize funds to make this donation and we believe it will go a long way to assist efforts to fight crime,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli highlighted the need to have added resources on the ground.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said the vehicles come at a time when safer festive season operations are under way. Mkhwanazi said that although there can never be enough vehicles, the new vehicles will come in handy to assist in the fight against crime.
“These new vehicles will assist our officers to be able to reach more people faster.
“We will ensure that vehicles are used for official duties only and act against those who abuse them for personal gains. We are warning criminals that they must leave our citizens alone.
“Police will be out in numbers to ensure that those who want to celebrate, do so in a safe and secure environment,” Mkhwanazi said.
eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association chairperson Ish Prahladh said they were concerned as to how these vehicles are being managed and maintained.
“We understand vehicles are needed for law enforcement. What is happening to the older vehicles which if well maintained can be used for a longer period.
“Each and everyday when people call their local station they will tell you to phone 10111 because they have no vehicles available at the station and it’s quicker for 10111 to pick up SAPS vehicles available.
“Where are all these added vehicles going to?”
eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement chairperson Asad Gaffar stated that any addition in resources to SAPS to assist with crime prevention are welcomed.
Chairperson of the eThekwini District Policing Board Aidan David said welcomed it and hoped the vehicles are put to good use. Aidan believes that these vehicles were originally intended for the Community Policing Forum structure.
“The CPF and private security are always first on the scene. We have been in discussion with the police regarding the matter,” David said.
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