DA in Ekurhuleni slams unavailability of EMPD K9 vehicles following Bomb scare at Hoërskool Kempton Park

by Ald Tania Campbell — DA Leader in the City of Ekurhuleni

Date: 11 September 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance in the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has slammed the so-called ‘people’s government’ led by the EFF and ANC, after the DA was reliably informed that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) K9 unit was unable to effectively respond to the bomb scare at Hoërskool Kempton Park this morning, due to vehicle shortage.

The DA recently revealed that the EMPD K9 unit has 5 trained dogs, with only one dog trained in bomb detection. Appallingly, the Explosive Detection Canine could allegedly not get to the scene due to a severe vehicle shortage and thus, the South African Police Department (SAPS) K9 unit had to attend to the bomb threat, and the EMPD could merely add support.

It is a failure by the EFF-led coalition that our EMPD unit is unable to effectively perform its duties and functions due to the unavailability of vehicles.

While learners and staff at Hoërskool Kempton Park were evacuated to the school field following the bomb threat, and various specialised units were dispatched by SAPS, our EMPD K9 unit could offer no support.

It is a growing concern that the EMPD in the City is unable to effectively deliver on its mandate to the citizens of Ekurhuleni under the current administration of the ANC and EFF.

The DA stands with the residents and communities of Ekurhuleni who demand better policing and to be kept safe by our EMPD officers. We will be approaching the MMC for Community Safety over the lack of vehicles in the EMPD unit.

Ald Tania Campbell

DA Leader in Ekurhuleni

083 360 1957