Overstrand and Swartland K-9 units make huge busts during festive period

The Overstrand and Swartland K-9 Units made their presence felt throughout the December holiday period.  Between 23 December 2022 – 15 January 2023, these units arrested 55 suspects. Of these, 46 were arrested in the Overberg areas, while 9 were arrested in the Swartland area. A number of illicit items were also confiscated.

The Swartland K-9 Unit conducted:

• Eight (8) vehicle checkpoints (VCPs),
• Searched 64 vehicles,
• Searched 19 premises and
• Searched 97 people.

In addition to this, the following confiscations were made:

• Ninety (90) mandrax tablets and
• Ten (10) small sized transparent bags containing tik.

During an operation in Porterville, this unit, while assisting the South African Police Services’ (SAPS) Rural Flying Squad impounded a vehicle after 818 grams of tik was discovered, along with two (2) x 9mm pistols, four (4) magazines and 68 x 9mm live rounds of ammunition.

The Overberg K-9 Unit confiscated:

• 1 814 units of abalone at an estimated value of R 976 804.00
• 318 units of abandoned abalone at an estimated value of R 426 752.00
• Six (6) units of West Coast Rock Lobster at an estimated value of R 3 000.00
• Two (2) boats/vessels at an estimated value of R 53 000.00
• Six (6) vehicles at an estimated value of R 505 000.00
• Various diving equipment with an estimated value of R 8 500.00.

This unit also conducted various patrols in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve after numerous reports of robberies were received. Since the patrols commenced during this period, not a single robbery occurred.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “The key words in any law enforcement effort are visibility and proactiveness. These K9 units committed to being visible throughout the holiday period and have been consistent in this manner. This is part of the reason why they are achieving these successes. The more criminals attempt to continue with their illicit activities, the more we will push back, as our aim is to ensure safer communities where both human and marine life is protected.”

The K9 Unit’s main objective is to serve as a crime fighting force multiplier to SAPS and other role-players. The unit does this through the detection and searching for contraband, particularly illegal drugs, firearms and ammunition. The unit also provides assistance to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs to curb the illegal trade of abalone, crayfish and other marine products.

“As the Western Cape Government, we will ensure these units continue to receive the necessary support, as they are making a difference to the crime fighting efforts in the areas where they are operating. It’s vital that the relationship between all stakeholders, which amongst others include other law enforcement agencies, SAPS, private security, neighbourhood watches, community police forums and farm watches are strengthened, as this will assist in being more impactful in the fight against crime,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.