The Rhino policing plan - What does R27 million get you?

19 July 2016 - 16:52 By S’Duduzo Dludla

The City of Johannesburg has rolled out a new R27 million fleet of riot control and disaster management by Metro Police officers‚ and they are armed to the teeth with useful gadgets. On Tuesday the Johannesburg Metro Police Department unveiled its latest addition to ensuring public safety‚ four mobile command units and two riot vehicles.The mobile command units - buses that have been pimped out - boast computers‚ internal and external high definition 400 metre range cameras and a mini boardroom.The units are also fitted with flood lights‚ and back-up generators to ensure service delivery can be executed around the clock‚ said spokesperson Superintendent Edna Mamonyane.The mobile command's primary purpose is to serve as an on-site command zone during fires‚ floods‚ and environmental disasters‚ Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety Sello Leamo said.The mobile command units will also serve as satellite offices for the JMPD during road blocks and control centres for roadside checks.It also has a mobile clinic where breathalyser and blood tests will be conducted if a driver is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol.The JMPD's Wayne Minnaar said the command units would also be able to assist all members of the public in service delivery queries involving by-laws‚ crime prevention and road traffic policing.Lemao said the fleets would add comfort to police officers and emergency personnel who often find themselves in confrontational and violent situations.The riot vehicle‚ nicknamed Rhino‚ also features thermal imaging cameras‚ a public address system and a “front dozer” for removing rubble on the roads‚ as well as bullet-proof windows and tyres.Rhino also has bar fridges on board‚ to help the 12 on-board officers keep cool on sunny days. "These riot control and command centre vehicles will start operating immediately to serve out the purposes for which they were acquired; that is‚ fighting crime‚ public disorder‚ disaster management‚ intelligence collection and resource distribution‚" said Lemao...

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