‘Boots on the ground, eyes in the sky’ – 13 drone pilots for Gauteng SAPS
Thirteen newly qualified drone pilots received their licenses and certificates in Midrand on Wednesday.
The police in Gauteng have gone hi-tech in their battle against crime.
This forms part of the provincial government’s drive to combat crime through the introduction of new-age technologies such as drones, CCTV cameras, and e-panic buttons.
During his maiden State of the Province Address, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said his administration would focus on combatting crime by investing in high-tech resources, and the launch of the crime wardens programme.
Community Safety MEC Mazibuko lauded the collaboration with private companies Fidelity ADT, UDS Drone Solutions, and others in the banking sector.
“The fight against crime is the hallmark of this sixth administration, and indeed we are gathered here to observe the wonderful work that is already being done with the partnership.
“The usage of drones to fight against crime contributes to the concept of smart policing, which aims to revolutionarise how crime is tackled in Gauteng."
The 13 qualified drone pilots passing out today are now certified by civil aviation. More members will be added to ensure police visibility across Gauteng.#GrowingASaferGauteng pic.twitter.com/6NbSxLY6bp
— GP Department of Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) June 21, 2023
Constable Marcel Paradesh is one of three women officers who’ve qualified to become the service’s first drone pilots after what she described as a gruelling training programme that started in October last year.
Paradesh, who was a volunteer before she officially joined the police service in 2019, said she views this achievement as part of her commitment to make the streets of Gauteng safer.
“I am looking forward to the opportunities, but I am looking forward to upping the fight against crime. We knew as a group when we signed up for this project that we are going to be working to another extent, doing things that have never been done in SAPS before. We really just hope we can make a difference.”
According to Mazibuko, the Gauteng government is in the process of procuring 144 more drones that they expect will boost the work of law enforcement at protests, crowd management at events, and during specialised operations, among others.
The group is now certified by the Civil Aviation Authority and was handed their certificates and licenses at the ceremony.
Nine more officers are in line for training.
