Johannesburg: The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has received a total of 78 new vehicles, including 14 armoured vehicles, to strengthen its fight against organised and priority crimes across the country. The new fleet is aimed at enhancing the DPCI's capacity to respond decisively to organised crime, strengthen prevention efforts, and improve operational effectiveness in the fight against serious and priority crimes across the country.
According to South African Government News Agency, the fleet represents a critical injection of resources to strengthen the investigation of serious commercial and organised crime cases. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Acting National Head, Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi, emphasized that mobility constraints have long hampered efficiency. The vehicles will now enable investigators to locate, process, and secure evidence more effectively, while improving engagement with stakeholders, witnesses, and prosecutors.
Deputy Minister of Police Cassl Mathale expressed appreciation in handing over the fleet to the DPCI. He emphasized that the vehicles are a scarce and valuable resource and urged the members to use them strictly for their intended purpose of crime combating and investigation. Mathale stated that the Hawks should embody clarity, focus, courage, strength, and resolve in their operations. He highlighted the importance of gathering evidence and ensuring that watertight cases are presented in court.
Mathale also noted that the new fleet demonstrates the government's commitment to improving service delivery through enhanced operational capacity. The vehicles will specifically strengthen operations against serious and violent crimes, such as cash-in-transit robberies, police killings, and the dismantling of organised crime syndicates. He expressed confidence that the new fleet will help the Hawks soar higher in their mandate to combat crime and corruption.
The event was attended by senior DPCI officials, including Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Nkosi, Divisional Commissioner for National Priority Offences: Operations, Lieutenant General Mbotho, and DPCI Component and Provincial Heads.