GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - In a bid to provide adequate resources to members of the SAPS deployed to serve the community, 40 new vehicles were handed to various police stations in the Southern Cape on Friday 25 June. 

The handover was done by Western Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner Major-General Thembisile Patekile, accompanied by senior police management in the province.

The vehicles were handed to the respective commanders of the Eden, Da Gamaskop and Beaufort West clusters. Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies said a total of five vehicles were handed to specialised units in the Eden Cluster. 

"The delivery forms part of continued efforts by police management to provide adequate resources to members deployed to serve the community. A mobile police station was also handed to the station commander of Uniondale and will be deployed in areas serving the farming communities. This delivery will go far to ensure that the rural areas get access to services," he said.

Patekile also announced the reintroduction of the Rural Flying Squad for the Southern Cape. 

"These members are already deployed to curb criminal activities, especially drug trafficking, along the major entry and exit points of the province. The unit vehicles will also enhance police visibility along the highways," he said.

Patekile reminded members of the importance of serving the public with the necessary care. "These resources would assist the police in the fight against crimes against women and children which are also prevalent in the rural areas. It will further ensure that the community get access to services and [will] enhance response time to those in need," he said.

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