/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Swartland and Overstrand K-9 and Rural Safety Units are continuing to prove their worth in their respective municipal areas.

On the same day, the Overstrand Units with the assistance of the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested one person in Betty’s Bay for being in possession of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was reported stolen in Strand on the morning of 21 June 2023.

Also on 22 June 2023, during an integrated search operation in Mooreesburg which consisted of the Swartland K-9 and Rural Safety Units, along with the Mooreesburg SAPS, three suspects were arrested. Two of these were arrested for the possession of mandrax and the third for possession of copper. They are due to make a court appearance soon.

MEC Reagen Allen said: “Criminals in these and other non-metro towns are starting to realise that their hiding places are diminishing. Part of the reason why we have our various units in rural towns is to ensure that illegal activities are curbed and to keep residents safe. As the Western Cape Government (WCG), we want our communities to live free of the criminal element that adds no value to our communities.”

MEC Reagen Allen added: “The continued cooperation and working relationship between the various law enforcement agencies, which includes SAPS, demonstrates how collaboration plays a critical role in fighting crime. If we are to be successful in not only combatting crime, but also reducing the murder rate by 50% by 2029, we all have to pull in the same direction.”

“I urge our community members to work with the various agencies, along with our neighbourhood watches, community policing forums (CPFs) and all other law-abiding entities so that we do not allow criminals to anchor themselves in any of our areas,” concluded MEC Reagen Allen.

Issued by Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety