Weekly Swartland, Overstrand, Mossel Bay K-9 and Rural Safety Units Operations

The Mossel Bay, Overstrand and Swartland K-9 Units, in partnership with the Rural Safety Units (RSUs) in the Overstrand and Swartland areas, were actively combatting criminal activities throughout their regions. Between 30 October to 5 November 2023, these units with various other municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS), arrested sixteen (16) individuals for a number of crimes. Of these, eleven (11) were apprehended in the Overstrand municipal area, and five (5) in the Swartland. 

Although no arrests were made by the Mossel Bay K-9 unit, they conducted 4 hotspot patrols and participated in a roadblock on the R102, Hartenbos Circle. This unit is less than three weeks away from being officially launched. 

The Swartland unit had operations in Moorreesburg, Malmesbury, Abbotsdale, Riebeek Wes and Darling, with arrests occurring in Piketberg. The arrests consisted of: 

- x4 for the possession of stolen goods and

- x1 for intimidation.  

The units also confiscated:

- large quantities of alcohol and 

- x12 steel rods and various pieces of jewelry.

Amongst others the Overstand arrests included:

- x1 possession of stolen property and

- x9 wanted suspects. 

This unit confiscated:

- x4 stolen bank cards.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “We are encouraged by the manner in which our K9 and Rural Safety Units, are putting pressure on criminal activities in their respective areas. As the Western Cape Government, we want to ensure that residents throughout the province are fully aware that we have their best interest at heart. This forms part of the reason why we have placed these units in these areas. We base our interventions on data, evidence and where the need is greatest.” 

“We will continue to support our units throughout the province and encourage community members to make these units aware of any and all criminal activities that may occur in their areas,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.