SAPS unveils new helicopters, armoured fleet
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has hailed the new SAPS equipment unveiled in Pretoria as an essential step in the fight against crime.
Masemola and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia handed helicopters and armoured vehicles to specialised SAPS units on Friday.
The equipment included two new helicopters and police vehicles.
According to Masemola, the resources are part of SAPS’ efforts to intensify the fight against crime.
"Resources of this kind are crucial in the fight against crime, especially serious and violent crime," said Masemola.
The new fleet is set to support specialised units, including the Special Task Force and Public Order Police Unit.
"These resources have been procured to make your job easy, and it is important that members of SAPS also take care of these resources," the commissioner added.
Cachalia emphasised the importance of equipping officers to tackle crime, saying that the armoured vehicles and helicopters will make a significant contribution.
"We want to build a police service in a constitutional democracy, which has the important task mandated by the constitution to improve safety and security," said Cachalia.
Cachalia reminded communities that while they have a right to peaceful protest, police have the responsibility to ensure public order.
"Today is not a moment for doom and gloom. It is a good day,” he said, adding that there is a need for a long-term plan to build the capabilities of the South African police service.
"It is a joyous occasion, a really privileged occasion for me and the Deputy Ministers to share with you today these efforts, which are long-term to equip the South African police service.”
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