SAPS adds two airbus helicopters, 12 Nyalas to strengthen national security

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola says two brand new helicopters and 12 Nyalas have been procured to strengthen the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) operational capacity and national security.

Masemola said that during the official handover of the new fleet on Friday at the SAPS Tshwane Academy.

He was joined by Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and deputy ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.

Masemola said the newly procured Airbus helicopters and Marshall vehicles would enhance police visibility.

“Minister Cachalia, as part of our efforts to advance and intensify our crime-fighting efforts, we deemed it necessary to add the two brand new H125 helicopters – ZT-REC and ZS-HGA – as well as the 12 Marshall vehicles you see here today, to our existing fleet,” said Mathale.

The helicopters and vehicles were manufactured by Paramount South Africa and Airbus South Africa.

Masemola said the launch of these new resources forms part of SAPS’s strategic policing plan ahead of the 2025 and 2026 National Safer Festive Season Operations, launching in the coming week.

“This additional fleet will play a critical role in enhancing SAPS’s operational capacity and capability, as well as strengthening national security,” he said.

“It will enable us to improve our service delivery and increase efficiency in fulfilling our Constitutional mandate of preventing, combating and investigating crime.”

The top cop emphasised that resources of this kind are crucial in the fight against serious and violent crime.

“These helicopters and vehicles will be vital for our specialised units such as the Special Task Force, Tactical Response Team, National Intervention Unit, Public Order Policing and Visible Policing,” he said.

“This new fleet will assist in responding to organised crime incidents such as cash-in-transit heists, hijackings, armed robberies and other serious crimes. The helicopters will allow for rapid deployment to crime scenes, helping us serve the people of South Africa quickly and effectively.”

He said the resources would also play a vital role in Operation Shanela II – a weekly nationwide initiative targeting serious and violent crimes in hotspots through raids, roadblocks, and stop-and-search operations.

“Just this week, we arrested more than 17,000 suspects – 17,247 to be exact – for various offences, ranging from illegal possession of firearms and ammunition to possession of illicit substances,” said Masemola. 

“This is the result of the tireless work of the men and women in blue across the country.”

He said the newly acquired fleet is intended to make officers’ jobs easier.

“While it is a non-negotiable necessity for you to execute your duties properly, this fleet is presented with sincere appreciation for the tireless work you do day and night to create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa.”

“We appreciate your patience with SAPS management as we strive to improve your working conditions by providing the necessary tools of the trade. Despite challenges with resources, you keep going. You keep serving the people of South Africa. You keep serving your country.”

Masemola added that he hoped the new equipment would offer officers a sense of hope and assurance that SAPS leadership is working to equip them for optimal performance.

He urged members to use the equipment responsibly.

“Remember, this fleet belongs to the people of South Africa. They must see and feel the difference every time we acquire new resources,” he said.

“Always use every resource and every capability in the service of the communities we protect.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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