Dylan Bettencourt
The South African Police Service (SAPS) will purchase drones to help combat crime across the country.
Police minister Bheki Cele confirmed the purchase in Parliament after being asked by Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald.
Cele revealed that 166 drones will police from the sky across 43 locations, including in rural areas.
The drones will be used by the police’s provincial and district operational command centres and Safer City Projects.
Specialised satellite drone units will serve several police stations.
The police have not officially confirmed the news but are said to be training officers on how to operate the drones, according to the Sunday Times.
Reports from March this year claimed the police force spent over R100 million on hi-tech drones and grabbers that had not been used for close to a year.
The 15 drones purchased gathered dust as only two officers had the required licence to operate the gadget.
The use of drones to combat crime in South Africa is not a new concept. Eskom recently began using drones to clamp down on sabotage.
The City of Cape Town is also in the process of using drones in the police force. The city has thus far provided six drones for use which are still undergoing the registration and licensing process.
Private security company Fidelity Services employs drones to further protect the homes of their clients.
Fidelity CEO Wahl Bartmann said the use of drones has proven to be a success in both remote and residential areas.
Image source: @DSLRPros
