The Nelson Mandela Bay Flying Squad has received two new high-performance vehicles, marking a significant step towards addressing the unit's severe vehicle shortages. However, police unions argue that this is merely a drop in the bucket, as the unit requires at least eight more vehicles to operate effectively. The development comes after Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata visited the unit, describing its working conditions as "embarrassing".
The two new vehicles, believed to be VW Polo GTIs, are part of a larger order of 340 vehicles for the Eastern Cape police, which will be distributed among stations and various units. Ncata assured that additional high-performance vehicles are on the way, but did not specify the exact number. He also took personal responsibility for monitoring the maintenance and repairs of the vehicles, having acknowledged that police garages were a root cause of vehicle shortages in the past.
Police unions, including the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru), have welcomed the new vehicles but stress that more needs to be done. Eastern Cape Chairperson for Popcru, Luzuko Rawana, stated that the Flying Squad in Nelson Mandela Bay likely needs around 10 cars, considering the unit's 24/7 operations and the wear and tear on the vehicles. Rawana also suggested that the unit should have at least two unmarked vehicles for administrative staff.
The challenges faced by the Nelson Mandela Bay Flying Squad are not new, with the unit having been under scrutiny since a parliamentary oversight visit in November 2025. During a virtual committee meeting last week, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, raised questions about the state of affairs at the NMB unit, which Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane deferred to Ncata.
The incident on August 31, where members used private vehicles to respond to a crime scene and recover 11 stolen firearms, brought the unit's challenges into sharp focus. While the members were lauded as heroes, they faced internal scrutiny and an investigation into their conduct. Rawana noted that the union understands both sides of the argument, emphasizing the need to find a middle ground to resolve the matter.
Ncata has also indicated that he is not entirely satisfied with the management of the NMB Flying Squad and is considering a "reshuffling" of its command structure. Members within the unit have been notified of a restructuring process, which is expected to take place soon. Rawana stated that the union will continue to engage with provincial management and provide feedback to its members.
As the Nelson Mandela Bay Flying Squad continues to face challenges, the addition of two new vehicles is seen as a positive step, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to address the unit's needs. The unit's ability to effectively perform its duties will depend on the delivery of additional vehicles and the outcome of the restructuring process.
Key points
- The Nelson Mandela Bay Flying Squad received two new high-performance vehicles, but police unions argue that at least eight more vehicles are needed to effectively perform their duties.
- The unit's challenges have been under scrutiny since a parliamentary oversight visit in November 2025, with ongoing issues including vehicle shortages and management concerns.
- Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata has taken personal responsibility for monitoring vehicle maintenance and repairs, and is considering a restructuring of the unit's management.
