Successes of K-9 and Rural Safety Units in South Africa

The Overstrand and Swartland Rural Safety Units (RSUs) and the Mossel Bay K-9 units have collaborated effectively to make significant strides in securing safer spaces for residents in their respective regions.

Joint Efforts and Achievements

From 28 August to 3 September 2023, in collaboration with various municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS), the units managed to arrest a total of thirty-two individuals involved in a variety of crimes. This achievement comes after last week’s arrests, raising the total number of apprehended individuals to 64.

Mossel Bay K-9 Units

The Mossel Bay K-9 unit’s remarkable sense of smell led them to a significant bust in the Wolwedans Informal Settlement in Grootbrak Rivier. During the arrest, the unit confiscated a substantial haul, including 134 mandrax tablets, 3.5 mandrax tablets, stolen property, 73kg of copper wire, and R 17,819.00 in cash.

Swartland Region

Arrests were made in various regions such as Riebeek-Kasteel, Riebeek West, Chatsworth, Malmesbury, Darling, and Yzerfontein. The charges ranged from dealing in liquor and drugs, possession of drugs, possession of abalone and West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL), to possession of a dangerous weapon. Units in Swartland also managed to confiscate nine mandrax tablets, 78 bankies of dagga, 19 small zipper bags containing tik, 10.8 kg shucked abalone, 6.7kg whole abalone, and large quantities of liquor.

Overstrand RSU

The Overstrand RSU‘s efforts resulted in the arrest of individuals involved in dealing in drugs, possession and transportation of undersized Steenbras fish, possession of abalone, and ten wanted suspects. Additionally, they discovered a cannabis laboratory complete with various paraphernalia. The Overstrand unit confiscated 163 cannabis plants, R 4,119 in cash, 968 units of abalone with an estimated street value of R 124,000.00, and diving equipment, including flippers and suits.

Commendations from the Western Cape Minister

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, praised the efforts of the K-9 and Rural Safety units in combatting crime throughout the Western Cape. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “The more we collaborate, the greater our joint successes will be.”

Creating Safer Communities

Through their joint efforts and commitment, the Western Cape government, along with all relevant law enforcement entities, aims to create safer communities throughout the province. These units have demonstrated the potential for significant success in fighting crime and securing the safety of residents across the Western Cape.