Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has allocated R10.7 million for new and specialised law enforcement vehicles as part of efforts to improve road safety, police visibility and the protection of municipal infrastructure across the Metro.
The investment, included in the Municipality’s 2026/27 financial year budget, will see new vehicles procured for Metro Police, Traffic and Security Services.
According to the Municipality, the additional fleet is expected to help improve response times, increase law enforcement visibility and strengthen the enforcement of municipal by-laws across Nelson Mandela Bay.
Where the R10.7 million will go
The biggest single allocation is R3.5 million for Security Services patrol vehicles, which will be used to improve response times and strengthen the protection of municipal assets and infrastructure.
A further R3 million has been allocated for a Metro Police armoured personnel carrier, while R2.2 million will go towards Metro Police patrol vehicles to increase visibility and improve responses to crime and by-law infringements.
Traffic Services will receive two specialised tow trucks at a cost of R2 million.
The tow trucks will be used to remove illegally parked vehicles and roadway obstructions as well as transport impounded vehicles. The Municipality says this should assist with traffic flow, road safety and the enforcement of municipal by-laws.
Part of wider safety agreement
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe said the investment also forms part of the Municipality’s responsibilities under a Cooperation Agreement signed in September 2024 between the South African Police Service (SAPS), Eastern Cape Provincial Government and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
The agreement is aimed at improving cooperation between the different spheres of government when it comes to safety and security in the Metro.
“The Cooperation Agreement commits all spheres of government to work together in strengthening safety and security in Nelson Mandela Bay. As a Municipality, we are demonstrating our commitment by investing in our own safety and security,” Lobishe said.
She said this includes coordinating crime prevention initiatives, working more closely with other law enforcement agencies, improving community safety through joint operations and strengthening the protection of municipal infrastructure and public spaces.
More visibility and quicker response times
The Municipality believes the additional vehicles will give law enforcement officials greater capacity to respond to incidents across Nelson Mandela Bay.
“These vehicles, including specialised vehicles, will significantly improve our visibility, which remains one of the strongest deterrents against crime,” Lobishe said.
“We are committed to ensuring that our law enforcement personnel are equipped with the necessary tools to serve and protect our communities effectively.”
With more than R10 million being spent on the fleet, Lobishe also addressed the potential misuse of municipal vehicles, saying measures would be put in place to ensure the new resources are properly managed.
“We are not only providing these tools of trade to our officials, but we will also implement strict measures to prevent abuse and misuse,” she said.
“This investment must translate into a safer city, better protection of municipal infrastructure and improved service delivery for all residents of Nelson Mandela Bay.”
The Municipality is currently in the process of procuring the vehicles.
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