The new police fleet will be used by detectives, districts, Tactical Response Teams and the Flying Squad in the Free State. 

This handover comes after OFM News reported that a large contingent of police vehicles from police stations, needed for service, were stuck at a Bloemfontein garage and stations across the province. 

Police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, recently told OFM News that a total of 100 vehicles were issued to various stations, and 100 more was expected to be issued at a later stage. Makhele was responding to a report that over 270 police vehicles with mechanical, panel beating, or minor service problems were stuck and piling up at this already overstretched garage.

The source said that over 300 vehicles which were classified as write-offs, because of the extent of damage suffered during accidents, have been gathering dust at the garage for almost five years - waiting to be compacted. 

Makhele, however, said the backlog is currently being addressed. He adds that the compacting of vehicles already started in March 2020 but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the process had to be stopped.

Meanwhile, Cele, along with top South African Police Service (SAPS) Management, will do a walkabout and engage with members of the public. His spokesperson, Lirandzu Themba, said the minister will also monitor a planned roadblock, and inspect multi-disciplinary police operations put in place around the province. Themba added that Cele will also oversee compliance and enforcement of Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

 OFM News