By: Nomatshawe Bangani
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga, cautioned police members against the misuse of state vehicles, which she said would not be tolerated and will be dealt with disciplinary investigations.
Ntshinga was speaking at the official handover of forty vehicles, eight motorbikes and two mobile garages worth R12 million at the SAPS Provincial Head Office in Zwelitsha.
Ntshinga said the new vehicles and mobile stations will ensure that detectives across the province deliver on their mandate to undertake investigations, effecting arrests, collecting evidence and attending court cases.
“Motor vehicles are an expensive resource but an absolute necessity for policing. It is therefore critical that we manage this important commodity smartly and act proactively towards challenges such as road conditions, accidents and mechanical problems,” she said.
MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison Weziwe Tikana who was leading the hand over said the introduction of the bikes is critical, as it means the detectives will be putting their ear on the ground and added that the mobile garages will go a long way as vehicles with minor repairs won’t have to wait too long for repairs.
“As the MEC, I will support you, be your ambassador and champion for fighting against killing of police,” she said.
To enhance rural policing some of the rural clusters received between four and six vehicles like Aliwal North (6), Elliot (4), Grahamstown(4), Mt Ayliff (6), Mthatha (4) and KwaDwesi (3).