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

The Mossel Bay, Overstrand and Swartland K-9, inclusive of the Rural Safety Units (RSUs) in the Overstrand and Swartland areas, continues to make inroads against crime in their respective areas. Between 9 to 15 October 2023, these units with various other municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS), arrested seventeen (17) individuals for a number of crimes. Of these, four (4) were apprehended in the Overstrand municipal area, nine (9) in the Mossel Bay region and four (4) in the Swartland.

The Mossel Bay K-9 unit conducted a drug awareness programme with learners from Grootbrak rivier Primary School, warning learners against the dangers of substance abuse. The arrests from this unit occurred in Da Gamaskop, JCC Camp and Mountain View and consisted of:

- x6 possession of drugs and

- x3 possession of a dangerous weapon.

Amongst others, the unit confiscated: 

- x25 whole mandrax tablets,

- x3 small packs of tik and 

- x2 knives

The Swartland arrests, which occurred in Darling included: 

- x4 dealing in and possession of drugs.

The units also confiscated:

- x31 mandrax tablets and

- x15 small zipper bags containing tik,

Amongst others the Overstand arrests included:

- x2 possession of drugs,

- x1 for the possession of stolen property and

- x1 assault.

This unit confiscated:

- x2 mandrax tablets and

- x1 abandoned generator. 

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “The continued presence of our K-9 and Rural Safety Units is making the lives of criminals in these non-metro towns quite uncomfortable. This is part of the reason why we as the Western Cape Government invested in these units. We want to ensure that our residents feel safe and secure and can live in dignity, regardless of where in the province they might reside.” 

“I urge all community members to continue working with these units, as this will go a long way in ensuring that our areas are free from crime and the criminal element,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.