Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen handed drones over to the Cape Winelands (CWDM), Overberg (ODM), Garden Route (GRDM) and West Coast (WCDM) district municipalities. Each took ownership of one drone.
Said Winde: “With technology such as drones our municipalities, in partnership with our government, are sharpening our collective crime-fighting and disaster capabilities. Technology and innovation must be embraced so that we work faster and smarter for our residents.”
The districts were represented by mayors Andries Franken (ODM), Memory Booysen (GRDM), Roelof Strydom (WCDM) and CWDM’s Municipal Manager Henry Prins. In the not-so-distant future drones will also be handed over to SANParks and, on further engagement, to the Central Karoo District Municipality.
The drones, valued at approximately R18 000 each, includes various specifications and functions, such as hand held control, an on board camera, visual screen, recording ability and various others. The drones were donated to the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, with the purpose of bolstering crime fighting efforts across the province.
Allen added: “We have already established our K-9 and Rural Safety Units on the West Coast, Overberg and Garden Route regions, and these drones will also complement and enhance their operations.”
A spokesperson for CWDM said that the drone will be based with their Disaster Management Unit, who will use it to assist with projects that will enhance community safety.
“It is envisioned that the drone will be useful in the mapping of hazardous areas, such as busy road crossings. During disasters, such as the flooding in September last year, the drone would enable speedy footage of the scale of damage as well alert us to people who are in danger.
“The flying of drones and the use of the information gathered is strictly regulated.
“The CWDM are in contact with ACSA to ensure that all the necessary protocols are in place.
“We are looking forward to the advantages that this innovation has to offer.”
