News24 reports that a lack of fleet vehicles, shortage of bulletproof vests and protective gear, and problems with training dogs and their handlers are some of the challenges crippling metro police departments in Gauteng.
The administrative heads of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) revealed this on Tuesday during a meeting with the provincial legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety. EMPD deputy chief Goodman Mzolo acknowledged serious challenges in the metro, including fuel restrictions, insufficient fleet vehicles and a poor service turnaround time at workshops. He reported that the department had a shortage of armoured vehicles, bulletproof vests and protective gear, as well as insufficient storage facilities for impounds. He also said the province faced a serious problem regarding weighbridges which were not functional. TMPD's Sean Bolhuis said the number of fleet vehicles available at the department did not "look too good". He said the department only had 447 functional vehicles, while 311 vehicles were out of service due to breakdowns, accidents and non-payment of services. Meanwhile, JMPD's Angie Mokasi said they faced challenges with purchasing ammunition. She added that the department’s K9 unit lacked dog handlers and dogs.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Iavan Pijoos at News24
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