Drones deployed in Akasia joint operation
“The private security used drones in the operation to assist in patrolling the area.”
Eight men were apprehended in Akasia for offences ranging from public drinking, selling liquor without a licence and illegal gambling.
A bag full of dagga was also found abandoned.
The operation, which was overseen by Captain Choene Gwabeni, acting vispol commander, ran from early in the morning until late at night.
Akasia police spokesperson Lindiwe Mabasa said the suspects were arrested during a joint operation.
“The joint operation with private security was aimed at addressing criminality in the Akasia policing precinct and to enforce law,” Mabasa said.
She said drones were used and this yielded positive results.
“The private security used drones in the operation to assist in patrolling the area,” she said.
“It monitored the drones which helped in the combatting of crime and was leading the police during patrols,” she added.
“The use of drones is very effective,” Mabasa told Rekord.
Gwabeni welcomed the arrests.
“Such operations are paramount in fighting crime.
“This kind of joint operation will be ongoing throughout the weekend to enforce law and order in the precinct.
She further sent her appreciation to all the external stakeholders involved.
DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES DRONES TO COMBAT CRIME
In a separate incident Rekord previously reported that the Gauteng department of community safety had announced the introduction of drones to combat crime.
Departmental spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba, said the province was upping its efforts to combat crime through the deployment of technology.
“Mamelodi and Soshanguve are two of the areas in Pretoria which have been earmarked for a mass roll-out of 24-hour manned CCTV cameras.
“The department was to procure 10 drones to strengthen crime fighting,” Mashaba said.
He said law enforcement agencies, together with private security in Gauteng, would be responsible for the CCTVs across strategic spots in the province.
Mashaba said the intervention could realistically address the safety concerns as identified by citizens in high-crime hotspots.
He said the intervention is a strong measure to ensure visible policing was improved.
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