With South Africa being infamous for its high crime rate and with the SAPS recording a total of 7,710 murders between October and December 2023, averaging to 84 people murdered every day, Western Cape Premier and the Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, have thus given a drone to each of the Cape Winelands (CWDM), Overberg (ODM), Garden Route (GRDM) and West Coast (WCDM) District Municipalities.

"With technology such as drones, our municipalities, in partnership with our government, are sharpening up our collective crime-fighting and disaster capabilities, technology and innovation must be embraced so that we work faster and smarter for our residents,” Winde said.

The drones, valued at R18,000 each, include various specifications and functions, including handheld control, onboard camera, visual screen, recording ability and more.

The drones were donated to the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China to boost crime-fighting efforts in the province.

Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier Panyza Lesufi has thanked the acting provincial commissioner for the official launch of the drone operations around Johannesburg.

"Sunrise will never find us where sunset left us, days are never counted backwards, less work and more work," Lesufi said.