South African police provide two vehicles to Nelson Mandela Bay special unit — Daily Maverick
In South Africa, the Flying Squad rapid-response police unit in Nelson Mandela Bay has received two new high-performance vehicles. Eastern Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Nkata said the unit is to receive additional vehicles after they are delivered, Daily Maverick reports.
Shortage of service vehicles
Nkata acknowledged that the unit's vehicle situation had been disgraceful. On August 31, its officers used private vehicles to respond to an important crime scene because they had no service vehicles. That day, they found 11 stolen firearms within several hours. At the same time, an internal review was launched into the officers' actions and the reasons why they did not use official transport.
According to Nkata, two vehicles have already been handed over to the Flying Squad, while additional high-performance vehicles are awaiting delivery. The commissioner did not specify exactly how many vehicles the unit will receive. He noted that they are part of an order for 340 vehicles placed by Eastern Cape police for distribution among police stations and various units.
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Union position
Luzuko Rawana, chairperson of the Eastern Cape branch of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, called the two new vehicles a positive step but insufficient for a large city. In his view, the Flying Squad likely needs about ten vehicles to ensure round-the-clock operations, vehicle replacement and repairs. The union also believes that administrative staff should be provided with at least two unmarked vehicles.
Nkata said he would personally oversee the vehicle maintenance situation in Nelson Mandela Bay and monitor the number of vehicles in garages daily. Rawana also said that the commissioner is dissatisfied with the unit's leadership in Gqeberha and is considering reorganizing it. According to the publication, Flying Squad officers have already been informed about a possible restructuring process.
