The EMPD Chief of Police received the first of three water cannon vehicles recently to ensure safety of citizens and property when violent protests occurs in the city.
EMPD media liaison officer Wilfred Kgasago said that the water cannon enables officers to tackle riot situations in a non-lethal manner in dispersing unruly crowds as well as putting out fires.
“The water cannon truck offers a comfortable, reliable and efficient solution for crowd control, rioting and the preserving of peace. It provides ballistic protection and is also capable of operating in high temperatures and dusty environments.
“Installed in the truck is an integration of surveillance cameras, night vision capabilities, PA system and roof monitors,” said Kgasago.
He added that several Public Order Policing Unit members underwent training on how to operate the water cannon truck.
Kgasago said that the training of officers was conducted by the Future of Motion (TFM) in Olifantsfontein.
“Training will be at regular intervals to ensure honing of officers’ skills in handling the water cannon trucks deftly,” said Kgasago.
He said the other two vehicles, once delivered, will be deployed in each of the EMPD operational regions namely, north, south and east.
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