The Overstrand K9 Unit has proven invaluable in the fight against crime. Between 21 February and 5 March this unit arrested 20 suspects for various crimes.
The unit’s successes include the confiscation of 209 Mandrax tablets, 125 small transparent bags (bankies) containing methamphetamine (tik), 72 bankies dagga and 3 180 units of whole abandoned abalone with an estimated value of R150 000.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen said: “Criminals are terrorising our communities; therefore I’m encouraged to note how menacing our K9 units are to these unscrupulous characters.
“As part of our cross-municipal safekeeping efforts, I recently joined both the Overstrand and Swartland units during operations in Swellendam and Saldanha Bay, where they demonstrated how effective they are in assisting other law-enforcement agencies.
“These successes are a reminder to those who are actively engaged in criminal activities, or considering embarking on a life of crime, that we have friends with an excellent sense of smell and a set of sharp teeth that will locate them and assist in placing them behind bars.”
The K9 Unit’s main objective is to serve as a crime fighting force multiplier to the South African Police Service and other role-players.
It does this through detecting and searching for contraband, particularly illegal drugs, firearms and ammunition.
The Overstrand K9 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.
“Safety across the entire Western Cape remains our priority, and therefore we will continue strengthening these units so that they can achieve more success to ultimately ensure safer communities,” minister Allen concluded.
