Drones have been provided to the South African Police Service in order to boost the effectiveness of crime detection and apprehension operations, according to the police's statement on social media.
The new technology was used for the first time over the weekend as part of Operation Shanyela in Soweto (a group of townships/settlements on the southwestern outskirts of Johannesburg). The operation, which was launched on 8 May, aims to locate and arrest people wanted for crimes such as murder and rape.
SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe noted that some significant results have been achieved due to the operation. She revealed that "55,675 suspects have been apprehended for a range of offenses, including murder, rape, and illegal firearms possession."
Moreover, according to the media, police have advanced in tackling truck arson. Two more suspects have been arrested, bringing the total to five. Meanwhile, the investigation continues.