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 received 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.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Tuesday, Acting National Head, Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi, highlighted that the fleet represents a critical injection of resources to strengthen the investigation of serious commercial and organised crime cases.
“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,” Nkosi said.
Deputy Minister of Police Cassl Mathale expressed his sincere appreciation in handing over the fleet to the DPCI to deliver on the mandate entrusted to them.
He emphasised that the vehicles are a scarce and valuable resource and urged the members to use them strictly for their intended purpose of crime combatting and investigation.
“Typical of the bird of prey itself, the Hawks should embody clarity, focus, courage, strength and resolve. You must circle around alleged wrongdoing, gather evidence, and when the time is right, pounce and ensure that watertight cases are presented in court,” said Mathale.
Mathale underlined that the news fleet demonstrates 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 (CIT) robberies, police killings, and the dismantling of organised crime syndicates.
The Deputy Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the new fleet will help the Hawks soar higher in their mandate to combat crime and corruption.
“It is your unwavering commitment, professionalism, and passion for duty that truly make the difference. Use these vehicles responsibly to protect the vulnerable, fight organised crime, and serve with integrity,” he said.
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. – SAnews.gov.za
