MIDDELBURG – Mpumalanga’s top cop says adding more police vehicles will shorten response times in combating crime and improving service delivery in communities across the province.
Seventy-four (74) vehicles, worth R54 million, have been allocated to the Mpumalanga SAPS and members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF).
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed confidence that the additional vehicles will enhance the police’s ability to respond to incidents swiftly, investigate crimes efficiently, and deliver essential services to those in need.
Mkhwanazi was speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Middelburg Banquet Hall on Wednesday, 19 March 2025.
He explained that the allocation, from the budget of the 2024/25 financial year, was in response to concerns raised by community members.
“These concerns include the shortage of vehicles at police stations, which prevents the effective execution of police duties,” he said.
“We have heard the outcry from our fellow citizens, who have expressed frustration over the lack of vehicles at their local police stations.”
The Major General added that it is unacceptable for anyone to be denied or delayed essential services due to a shortage of resources.
“We are committed to addressing this issue head-on,” he said.
The vehicles, including bakkies, minibuses, and sedans, will be distributed to different police stations across the province.
However, Mkhwanazi emphasised that priority will be given to areas with the greatest need.
“While we acknowledge that the 74 vehicles being handed over may not fully meet the needs of every police station and unit in the province, rest assured that we are prioritising those areas with the highest demand,” he said.
Bongani Mashaba, CPF chairperson in Mpumalanga, welcomed the move, saying it would alleviate the shortage of vehicles in Mpumalanga police stations.
He added that it would also make it easier for patrol teams to carry out their duties.
“Patrol teams really need vehicles to work effectively and respond quickly to incidents in communities,” he said.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, acknowledged the need for more police vehicles in the province.
“We are responding to the call to say we are indeed trying. We know that these tools of the trade are not enough – we need more. We are going to push to get more and more so that we can do our work effectively,” he said.
Twenty vehicles will be distributed to police stations in the three district municipalities of the province.
