The prevention of rhino-poaching in the South African Police Service's Grahamstown Cluster is largely thanks to the work of a dedicated unit from Grahamstown. In the past two weeks the freeway patrol team, known as the Route Patrol, has also netted 16kg of dagga, a large quantity of khat and a stolen car.
The prevention of rhino-poaching in the South African Police Service's Grahamstown Cluster is largely thanks to the work of a dedicated unit from Grahamstown. In the past two weeks the freeway patrol team, known as the Route Patrol, has also netted 16kg of dagga, a large quantity of khat and a stolen car.
The unit, established in 2009 under Grahamstown Cluster Commander, Brigadier Vakala Moyake comprises non-commissioned officers from the seven stations under his command at that time.
Its main function is to police the N2, R67 and the R400 and it conducts joint operations with provincial traffic officers; the Department of Nature Conservation and the Green Scorpions.
The members – most of them family men – range in age from 25 to 45 and their biggest successes have been in recovering stolen vehicles and drug busts. Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said five of the seven stations in the Cluster had shown positive results due to the unit's efforts.
Since 6 September 2012, their successes have included:
• 2kg dagga recovered in a vehicle along the N2. One South African arrested;
• 1.1kg dagga recovered in a vehicle close to Seven Fountains. One South African arrested;
• 50 bunches of khat;
• 357 bunches of khat (26.4kg). Two Somalian nationals arrested;
• 9.8kg dagga. One South African arrested.
• 26.4kg khat recovered. One South African arrested.
• 3.1kg dagga recovered. One South African arrested.
• In the latest success, last Sunday, as the team apprehended the driver of a white Toyota Hilux who had refused to stop at a roadblock, it turned out that a theft case was being opened in Port Elizabeth at that very moment. One South African was arrested.
Grahamstown Cluster Commander, Brigadier Vakala Moyake, commended the members for their efforts and dedication. “These members often go beyond the call of duty and work extended hours, even when off-duty, when fresh information is received from the Green Scorpions or other groups. They have been part of (to date) the very successful prevention of rhinoceros poaching in this Cluster, for which I am extremely grateful…
My thanks also go to their families for their understanding and support and to my loyal Station Commanders who have very kindly provided these members to perform duties at this level.”
