The EMPD Chief of Police in mid-June took delivery of the first of three water cannons vehicles ordered to enable trained officers to tackle volatile protest situations.
These situations according to the EMPD invariably end up violently placing both lives of innocent citizens and property at risk.
According to chief superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, EMPD spokesperson, 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 preserving of peace and order in a non-lethal fashion,” said Kgasago.
“It provides ballistic protection and also capable of operating in high temperature and dusty environments. Installed in the truck is an integration of surveillance cameras, night vision capabilities, PA system and roof monitors.”
He said on the same day of taking delivery, several Public Order Policing Unit members underwent training on how to operate the water cannon truck.
The training of officers charged with the responsibility of manning the water cannon trucks is done by the The Future of Motion company situated in Olifantsfontein.
“Training will be at regular intervals to ensure honing of officers skills in handling the water cannon trucks deftly.
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