GEORGE NEWS - “Fit for purpose!” That’s how the acting director of George Municipality’s newly established Community Safety and Mobility Directorate, Lee-Anne Meiring, describes the four recently acquired vehicles designated for rapid response operations.
On Wednesday 4 June, Mayor Jackie von Brandis officially received the vehicles at a ceremonial handover, accompanied by the MMC for Community Safety and Mobility, Cllr Brendon Adams, and the municipal manager, Godfrey Louw.
To bolster public safety in George, the directorate is in the process of establishing a rapid response unit, for which these specialised vehicles will be deployed.
Von Brandis remarked: “I recently observed crucial training initiatives for our law enforcement officers, and during this visit, I had the privilege of releasing four new fit-for-purpose vehicles. These will be used in our rapid response unit, significantly enhancing our operational capacity.
"We are intensifying safety interventions to fulfil our mandate of ensuring community safety. Currently, 20 of our law enforcement officers are undergoing specialised peace officer training under the guidance of Senior Traffic Officer Iegshaan Dyson from the City of Cape Town.”
This advanced training will empower these officers to support SAPS operations, execute arrests and respond to the growing safety demands of a rapidly expanding city. Additionally, select officers are receiving firearm and tactical training at a local shooting range to enhance further their readiness and ability to assist the SAPS when needed.
“These developments clearly demonstrate our municipality’s unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Von Brandis. “We are equipping our officers with world-class training and resources so they can serve and protect the people of George effectively.”
Adams expressed his appreciation to the municipal leadership and staff for their dedication: “Thank you to our leadership and administration for your tireless efforts.
"None of this would have been possible without your commitment. Our Community Safety and Mobility Directorate is working diligently to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors in George.”
Municipal manager Godfrey Louw inside one of the new vehicles.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
