Blue lights flashing, police dogs barking and the quirky smells coming from the back of shops and gutters in Edenvale CBD was just the tip of the ice berg during the EMPD K9 Unit’s operation on May 7.
There was an immense police presence; wherever one looked one could see multiple law enforcement vehicles parked along Van Riebeeck Avenue.
The crime prevention operation, headed by the EMPD K9 Unit, was conducted from 2pm to 7pm and involved the efforts of the Edenvale CPF and Mamba Security.
I joined in on the action and tagged along for some good photos and a great story. As it was my first time going on an operation with the EMPD’s K9 Unit, I was elated, there was literally a smile on my face from ear to ear.
When I arrived at the EMPD station the atmosphere was electric; dogs were barking, their handlers chatting with each other and interacting with their dogs.
When the operation started and we headed to town, the excitement of the dogs sky-rocketed.
Quite often the law enforcement in South Africa, whether it is the EMPD or the SAPS, is heavily criticised by the public and by the media. Many of the times the critics don’t hear about the good news and focus mainly on the negativity, because bad news sells.
I take my proverbial hat off the EMPD’s K9 Unit, the manner in which they handled themselves on the operation was outstanding. They conducted searches thoroughly, and searched high and low, looking of drugs and illegal narcotics.
The bond theses officers share with their dogs is immediately visible; they are partners who need each other to complete the drug searches.
Without the individuals in the EMPD K9 Unit, the ECPF or Mamba, the operation would not have taken place. Some of these individuals give up their own personal time and put their own lives in danger in order to improve the community and the town.
The operation resulted in multiple shops being searched, a number of arrests, the seizing of various drugs and cigarettes, the impounding of two vehicles as well as creating a massive police presence in town. In my eyes, the operation was a great success. The EMPD’s presence was felt by the community and shop owners along Van Riebeeck Avenue.
Yes, quite often we as the public hear negative news about law enforcement, but let us keep in mind the effort put in by law enforcement, the CPF and security companies who help combat crime, their victories, and all the unsung heroes who are helping to build a better tomorrow.
I ask this question to the critics, what are you ding to build a better tomorrow?
I say thank you and salute you, all of you, who wish to make South Africa great.
