K9-Narcotics Tactical Unit launched

The Unit will be working with SAPS and Crime Intelligence, SARS, tracking companies, CPFs as well as business and communities.

November 27, 2016

Lucky Thusi 2 minutes read

DIRECTION: JMPD Chief Superintendent Wayne Minaar.

THE energised K9-Narcotics Tactical Unit was launched by the MMC for Public Safety, Clr Michael Sun and Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Clr Herman Mashaba, at the JMPD’s Training Academy in Selby, on Monday, November 21.

It’s intended that the unit, once operational, will drive traffickers and drug peddlers out of the City.

The core functions of the unit include countering: explosives, counterfeit goods, hijackings and robbery, but with a focus on narcotics (working with SAPS), vehicle tracking and confidential information.

The City is sending a clear message that law enforcement in Johannesburg will relentlessly pursue drug dealers, using intelligence at its disposal. At the same time, the City will also put in place drug prevention and treatment programmes – and work closely with communities through awareness and education.

Mashaba promised on May 30, that if elected mayor he would create a specialised drug unit within the JMPD. That promise has become a reality.

The JMPD looked at the best performing officers with the highest level of integrity, to fill this K9-Narcotics Unit. The unit will also be equipped with high calibre firearms and high performance vehicles.

A further 19 dogs have been purchased and are currently undergoing intensive training and assessment, in explosive and narcotics detection.

The K9-Narcotics Unit will focus on drug related crimes in hotspot areas, during the first 100 days post its launch. Rosettenville is one of the areas that will be looked at, as it’s drug-ridden.

JMPD Chief Hlula Msimang said they’re not under any illusions that the fight against drugs, will only be won by the police: “This fight starts at home. Our family members use these drugs. Ours priority is to help to get rid of these drug peddlers. We’ll also make sure that drugs aren’t easily accessible, as it is the case now,” he added.

MMC Sun said when Clr Mashaba put him in the office, he pledged he must sort out the drug problem in the city: “As one of my priorities, this unit will be feared by criminals and drug dealers. We picked the best officers to join it and I still extend the invitation to men and women in the force to join, so that we can fight together,” he explained.

Clr Mashaba mentioned that for the City of Johannesburg to attract investors, the city must be safe. “MMC Sun, you have a huge task ahead of you. When Johannesburg works, South Africa works -that’s why we need a safer Johannesburg,” he concluded.

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