Premier Winde and Minister Reagen Allen hand over drones

Premier Winde and Minister Reagen Allen hand over drones to various district municipalities 

On 20 February 2024, Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, handed over drones to the Cape Winelands (CWDM), Overberg (ODM), Garden Route (GRDM) and West Coast (WCDM) District Municipalities. Each district municipality took ownership of one drone. 

Premier Winde said: “With technology such as drones, our municipalities, in partnership with our government, are sharpening up our collective crime-fighting and disaster capabilities. Technology and innovation must be embraced so that we work faster and smarter for our residents." 

The districts were represented by Executive Mayors, Alderman Andries Franken (ODM), Alderman Memory Booysen (GRDM), Alderman Roelof Strydom (WCDM) and CWDM’s Municipal Manager, Mr Henry Prins. In the not-so-distant future, drones will also be handed over to SANParks and upon further engagement to the Central Karoo district municipality.

The drones, valued at approximately R 18 000 each, includes various specifications and functions, such as handheld control, an onboard camera, visual screen, recording ability and various others. The drones were donated to the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, with the purpose of bolstering crime fighting efforts across the province. 

Minister Reagen Allen added; “we extend our gratitude to our international partner, as it shows their interest in seeking to ensure that greater safety is achieved across the entire province. We have already established our K-9 and Rural Safety Units on the West Coast, Overberg and Garden Route regions, and these drones will also complement and enhance their operations. This is yet another demonstration of the Western Cape Government’s commitment to create safer communities, regardless of where it might be in the province.”