Criminality in Mossel Bay to be met with “heavy metal”

The continued efforts of the Mossel Bay Municipality to improve community safety was given a major boost today with the launch of two armoured personnel carrier vehicles.

Premier Alan Winde and provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, attended the launch at the Mossel Bay Town Hall. “Curbing crime of all kinds is a critical priority if we are to grow our economy. High levels of crime are a major impediment to growth and economic development. Residents, business owners and rural communities deserve to feel safe. I welcome Mossel Bay Municipality’s efforts to enhance safety and security,” remarked Premier Winde as he inspected the vehicles.

The vehicles have been supplied by South African company, SVI Engineering. The MAX 3 Troupees can transport 8 people and are manufactured from high quality ballistic material. They will form part of the municipality’s newly established K-9 Unit and can be utilised in various crime-fighting operations, such as responding to illegal land occupations and protests, in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS). They will also be deployed to offer protection to secure infrastructure services in volatile areas.

The municipality’s K-9 Unit – funded by the Western Cape Government – will soon be sniffing out crime when it is officially launched in the coming months. It consists of four Belgian Malinois dogs. The Premier added, “Fighting crime comes in many forms. From the use of armoured vehicles to man’s best friend, we have to use all resources at our disposal to make our communities places of hope and dignity.”

Minister Allen said, “I would like to congratulate the Mossel Bay Municipality for deploying these armoured vehicles. This is an exciting moment for the residents of the entire area, and they can be proud of their municipality. It brings me great joy to note how our partners at local government level are also prioritising safety. In due course, the safety initiatives in the area will be strengthened when our K-9 Unit is also formally launched. This will provide yet another layer to creating a safer Western Cape where our people can live in dignity.”