This past Tuesday, 21 November 2023, the Mossel Bay K-9 unit officially received their marching orders to bite into criminality, so that greater safety can be achieved in the municipality.
The unit which was initiated in July 2022, consists of four Belgian Malinois dogs and their handlers. The dogs have been trained in sniffing out narcotics, firearms and ammunition and endangered species. This brings the number of official K-9 units that the Western Cape Government (WCG) has launched to three, with the two others located in the Swartland and Overstrand municipal areas. For the current financial year, over R 19 million has been allocated for the support of these units.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said “That the official launch of this unit is significant, as it demonstrates to the residents of Mossel Bay and the wider Garden Route district that the WCG remains true to its word that it seeks to ensure greater safety in their area and across the entire province. I also commend the unit, as shortly after the launch during a roadblock in the area, the unit assisted with the arrest of two suspects, while also ensuring that 24 mandrax tablets and 34,7 grams of tik could be confiscated.”
The Overstrand and Swartland K-9 Units, in partnership with the Rural Safety Units (RSUs) in the Overstrand and Swartland areas, also made inroads into combatting crime. Between 13 November and 19 November 2023, these units with various other municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS), arrested fifteen (15) individuals for a number of crimes. Of these, fourteen (14) were apprehended in the Overstrand municipal area, and one (1) in the Swartland.
The Swartland units had operations in Malmesbury and Moorreesburg. The arrest which occurred in Mooreesburg, consisted of:
- x1 for possession of drugs.
The units also confiscated:
- x1 packet of tik and
- x1 half crushed mandrax tablet.
Amongst others the Overstand arrests included:
- x2 for possession of drugs;
- x2 dealing in liquor;
- x1 for possession of West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) and
- x7 wanted suspects.
This unit confiscated:
- x12 023 WCRL tails;
- x9 whole and x4 tails abandoned WCRL and
- x7 bankies tik.
Minister Reagen Allen added, “Our units are consistently interrupting criminal activity in their respective areas. The recent crime statistics have highlighted the important role that all our units continue to play to ensure a safer Western Cape is achieved. As the WCG, our commitment to support these units remains steadfast, as it is clear that the national government is not going to provide the dedicated SAPS members the necessary resources that are required to be effective in their crime fighting efforts. We have and will continue to step in, as we remain committed to caring for our people.”
“I once again urge our residents to continue working with and supporting these units. By being united in the fight against crime, it shows criminals that we are determined to remove unwelcomed elements and illicit activities from our areas,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.
Media Enquiries:
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Reagen Allen
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 0103 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)
