K-9 Unit has a sharp bite | Western Cape Government

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K-9 Unit has a sharp bite

15 August 2022

Between 1 April 2022 and 30 June 2022, the Swartland and Overstrand K-9 Units made their bite felt across the West Coast and Overberg Districts. These units ensured that 236 individuals could be arrested for a variety of crimes, while also detecting large amounts of contraband such as illegal drugs, which is a huge issue in our communities.

The Swartland unit which has 9 officers and 9 dogs, had an expenditure of over R 4,58 million, while Overberg which has 7 officers and 5 dogs, had an expenditure of R 2,42 million.

The K9 Unit’s main objective is to serve as a crime fighting force multiplier to SAPS and other role-players with the detection and searching of contraband, particularly illegal drugs, explosive devices, firearms, ammunition as well as providing assistance to the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to curb the illegal trade of abalone, crayfish and other Marine products.

Highlights from the two units are as follows:

Swartland Unit

  • They made 98 arrests, of which 46 were drug related.
  • They conducted 11 roadblocks and searched 482 persons and 745 vehicles.
  • One firearm was confiscated.
  • Various drugs were confiscated, including 1 838 mandrax tablets, 113 tik straws and various other illicit drugs.
  • Conducted searches at the Malmesbury Medium A Correctional Centre, and on the two occasions found dagga, tik, mandrax and cash.

Overstrand Unit

  • They made 138 arrests during the same period.
  • During this period, and in total, 5 436 abalone was found
  • Two vehicles and 1 vessel were impounded
  • Three firearms and various rounds of ammunition were confiscated.

Minister Reagen Allen said: “I commend these units for their continued effort to keep areas outside of the Metro safe. They play a significant role and their presence is being felt by criminals. With their and LEAP’s intervention, we’re ensuring more visibility on the ground across the province, which are vital interrupters to the plans and activities of criminals.”

Minister Reagen Allen continued: “During a visit at the end of June, I had the privilege of joining the Malmesbury unit at a vehicle checkpoint, which led to the arrest of a male suspect and the confiscation of dagga bankies. I saw how effective the officers and our K-9 friends are. I’m looking forward to visiting and engaging the Overstrand unit in due course.”

“We want to have more K-9 units deployed along our highways and various other spaces, and this is why it is important that SAPS is managed by the Western Cape Government, so that their K-9 unit can also effectively be utilised. We will continue with our effective and efficient working relationship with all role-players, while ensuring collaboration of resources by creating a culture of cohesion to reach operational goals, which ultimately leads to creating of safer roads and communities,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Reagen Allen
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
082 721 3362 (m)