SAPS launches crime-fighting drone squad

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced that 13 officers in Gauteng have received drone licences – as part of a joint operation between the SAPS and Fidelity to make the province safer.

Drones have been cited by several public and private organisations as an effective way to combat crime.

Last November, the Gauteng Treasury said that it would procure ten drones as part of its multimillion-rand plan to fight crime.

Moreover, in May, the City of Cape Town said that it would use aerial surveillance, including drones, to provide visuals for its newly created gunshot detection technology.

The SAPS and Fidelity have also previously expressed their support for using drones in the fight against crime in South Africa.

“We believe drones and the deployment of a mobile drone team, not only act as a highly effective visible deterrent to criminals, but also assist to immediately track down and locate criminal elements,” said Charnel Hattingh, head of marketing and communications at Fidelity Services Group.

Gauteng MEC for Community Policing Faith Mazibuko said that the drone skills learned by the officers would help protect communities and provides eyes in the sky for officers across the province.

#sapsGP Gauteng MEC for Community Policing, Ms Faith Mazibuko and PC, Lt Gen Elias Mawela joined by the various stakeholders together with 13 newly qualified #SAPSDronePilots who received their certificates and drone pilot licenses during the official launch this morning.… pic.twitter.com/DeHZe4liBe

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 21, 2023

Morné du Toit, Executive Manager of Fidelity Specialised Services, said that it is vital for partnerships to be formed to ensure that the Gauteng province is safer for all.

“Let us, through effective partnership, continue to join hands in ensuring that Gauteng is a safe and secure province for all. It is not only more boots on the ground but we now also have eyes in the sky,” SAPS Lt Gen Elias Mawela said.

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