K-9 Unit latches onto criminals

Between 24 – 28 August 2022, the Swartland and Overstrand K-9 Units latched onto criminals with a sharp bite and ensured that 23 individuals could be arrested. Through the efforts of man’s best friend, who detected an array of illicit items, these arrests could be made. 

The Swartland unit has 9 officers and 9 dogs, while Overstrand has 7 officers and 5 dogs. 

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 5 arrests.

- Various drugs were confiscated, including 77 parcels of dagga, with one bag weighing 9.51kg and 10 methamphetamine (TIK) straws. 

- R 5 500 in cash was also confiscated.

- Conducted 5 searches of premises.

- Conducted a Social Crime Prevention- Drug Abuse Awareness at Ruststasie Primary School with the aim on raising awareness around drug abuse. 

Overstrand Unit

- They made 19 arrests during the same period.

- Stopped and searched 30 vehicles

- Searched 8 houses.

- Confiscated two knives, along with dagga, tik and mandrax.

- Conducted an information session at the Zwelishle Primary School Career Exposition

Minister Reagen Allen said: “These continued operations by the K-9 Units ensures that the routes criminals are using to transport their illicit items are interrupted. The role that they’re playing is significant, as these illicit items are destroying individuals, families and society at large. I’d like to express my gratitude to our K-9 Units and all law enforcement agencies that achieved these successes.”

Minister Reagen Allen continued: “It’s pleasing to note how these units are engaging our learners at schools to not only advise on the dangers of drugs and getting involved in criminal activity, but to also highlight the career opportunities within a unit such as theirs, and law enforcement in general. Just as I visited the Swartland K-9 unit not so long ago, I’m looking forward to during next week, visit and engage the Overstand Unit.” 

“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 in the Western Cape is run by province, 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.