The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) K9 unit has only five trained dogs for its 19 members.

This was revealed by Kempton Park ward councillor Jaco Terblanche following questions posed in council.

He says the severely under-resourced unit does not have adequate budget and funding to procure trained dogs.

“Currently, the recommended retirement age for the dogs is 10, dependent on the breed and condition of the dog.”

Terblanche says the unit has two nine-year-old narcotic dogs, which are set to retire next year. The dogs on patrol are eight years old.

According to Terblanche, it costs an estimated R30 000 for a three-month course at an accredited training facility for a narcotic, patrol or explosive detection K9.

“The K9 unit is a vital part of the narcotic unit in the City of Ekurhuleni and it is a matter of urgency that the unit is fully operational to fight the war against drugs which continues to plague the city.

When asked to comment, EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa said the enquiry has been forwarded to specialised services management. Further feedback is awaited.