SAPS Boosts Crime-Fighting Power with New Helicopters and Armoured Vehicles

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has strengthened its ability to combat serious and violent crime with the acquisition of two state-of-the-art helicopters and 12 armoured vehicles, marking a major investment in law enforcement capacity.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola officially unveiled the fleet on Friday, saying the new equipment will significantly improve operational response times, tactical readiness, and national security.

Aerial and Ground Power to Tackle Crime

The helicopters – two Airbus H125 models, registered ZT-REC and ZS-HGA – are designed for rapid deployment, surveillance, and tactical response. They will provide air support to ground forces, enabling faster movement to crime scenes and improving coordination during high-risk operations.

The 12 Marshall armoured vehicles, built for resilience in volatile environments, will support specialised SAPS units in handling violent crime, riots, and organised criminal threats.

Masemola said:

“This additional fleet will play a critical role in enhancing the SAPS’ operational capacity and capability, as well as strengthening national security.”

Strengthening Specialised Units

The new fleet will be distributed to several specialised policing units, including:

• Special Task Force – handling counter-terrorism, hostage situations, and high-risk operations.

• Tactical Response Team (TRT) – responding to armed robberies, hijackings, and violent confrontations.

• National Intervention Unit (NIU) – deployed to high-crime zones and crisis areas.

• Public Order Policing (POP) – managing protests, unrest, and large public gatherings.

• Visible Policing – ensuring stronger frontline presence in communities.

“These resources will play a critical role in responding to organised crime incidents such as cash-in-transit heists, armed robberies, hijackings, and violent gang activity,” Masemola said.

Linked to Operation Shanela II

The fleet rollout comes as SAPS intensifies Operation Shanela II, a nationwide campaign focused on crime hotspots through coordinated raids, roadblocks, and stop-and-search operations.

Masemola revealed that in the past week alone, more than 17 247 suspects were arrested for various offences, including illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and narcotics.

“These results are the product of the tireless work of the men and women in blue across the country,” he added.

Supporting Police on the Frontlines

Masemola expressed gratitude to officers who continue to perform under resource constraints, saying the new vehicles and helicopters were procured to ease their workload and improve service delivery.

“We are striving to provide all necessary tools of trade to enable our members to perform their functions optimally. These resources should give you hope that management is doing its utmost to support you,” he told officers.

He also urged SAPS members assigned to operate the new assets to use them responsibly and with care, given their importance to the country’s crime-fighting strategy.

Distribution Across the Country

The helicopters and armoured vehicles will be strategically deployed across provinces to ensure equitable coverage of crime hotspots. This will enable faster emergency response in both urban and rural areas, where violent crimes continue to affect communities.

A Step Toward Safer Communities

The SAPS leadership hopes the investment will help restore public confidence in policing by making operations more visible, effective, and proactive. With violent crime and organised syndicates presenting major challenges, the new fleet is intended to send a clear message that law enforcement is strengthening its fight.

As Masemola concluded at the ceremony:

“These helicopters and vehicles represent a renewed commitment to keeping South Africans safe. They are not just machines; they are tools of protection, meant to save lives and bring criminals to justice.”