Between 16 January and 5 February, the Overstrand K9 Unit arrested 30 suspects for various crimes and confiscated abalone with an estimated value of more than R200 000.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen said: “The K9 units are continuing to play a significant role along our highways and in our coastal communities.
“Impeding and making the life of criminals difficult is exactly what we want to see. These successes confirm and highlight their importance. I am looking forward to joining man’s best friend and their handlers on some of their operations in the near future, to witness their diligent work.”
The unit arrested one suspect in Gansbaai for pointing a firearm. The MEC’s office reports officers also confiscated one gas pistol, one pellet gun and one toy cap gun found in the suspect’s possession.
During operations the Overstrand K9 Unit also confiscated 1 333 units of whole abalone at an estimated value of R232 094,70 that was found abandoned. They also confiscated one vessel and two motors, nine ring nets and one fish trap with a combined estimated value of R150 000.
As part of its community outreach and empowerment programmes, the Overstrand K9 Unit also conducted an awareness campaign at Die Bron Primary School in Stanford, to inform learners of their activities and the dangers of getting involved in crime.
“For us as the Western Cape Government this remains a critical investment, as our aim is to ensure every corner of this province becomes safer,” Allen said.
“We will continue to strengthen our relationships with all relevant stakeholders which, among others, include other law-enforcement agencies, the police, private security, neighbourhood watches, community police forums and farm watches, as the cooperation and collaboration will help in our fight against crime.”
