Now that the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) has taken delivery of three RG-12 Nyala armoured internal security vehicles from Denel Land Systems, finalising its acquisition of riot control equipment, the organisation is considering the next step in dealing with violent unrest. “We want to make sure, in violent situations, we will be able to identify those engaged in violence and vandalising property and arrest them and have them successfully prosecuted,” says chief of the TMPD KS Ngobeni. “But, in terms of riot control, we’re already there.”

The Nyalas were handed over in a ceremony at TMPD headquarters, in Pretoria West. They cost R2.3-million each. “This is a new capability for the TMPD,” he points out. He explains that, in 2013, the then Minister of Police (Nathi Mthethwa) had authorised the training of Metro Police officers to what is called Force Level 3, meaning that they would be trained to handle public disorder, including riots. Since then, 250 TMPD officers have been trained in crowd and riot control. “What it means is, if there is a riot or service delivery protest, we become the first responders.” The department is now a force multiplier for the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“Once we had trained our officers, we started buying the protective equipment for them,” he adds. This included riot shields and bulletproof vests. “With these vehicles, we are completing the cycle. We had everything we needed, except the armoured vehicles. Previously, there was no need for the Metros (city police departments) to have armoured vehicles as they were not trained to confront violent demonstrations. Now we can respond to these situations and protect the lives of the people.”

In his address at the Nyala handover cere-mony, Tshwane executive mayor Kgosientso Ramokgoba highlighted that the acquisition of the vehicles was part of the plan to strengthen the TMPD. This included the graduation of 2 000 new TMPD officers last year. “Whatever we do, it must show signs of excellence,” he stressed. “We will be able to fight crime in all its manifestations . . . in all corners of the city.”

He pointed out that being the national capital made Tshwane the focus of national political and social protests, as well as local service delivery protests, that could turn violent. “That’s why we need to [be able to] protect life and limb . . . When, [moreover], we go and address a situation of volatility and turmoil, the first consideration is the safety of the [TMPD] officers.”

Other concerns are the safety of the numerous diplomatic missions in Pretoria and substance abuse in the city. The Mayor reported that the TMPD was going to introduce a dedicated team to combat the nyaope trade within Tshwane. (Nyaope is highly addictive and dangerous and is a cocktail, mainly of heroin and marijuana, but can include anti-retroviral drugs and other ingredients and is believed to be unique to South Africa. It is usually used in poor communities.) He noted that the newly acquired Nyalas would also be relevant for supporting counternarcotics raids.

“Being a Metro Police officer is not about writing fines!” he asserted. “It’s, in the first instance, about making sure people do not break the law.” It is about maintaining safety in the city and reassuring the populace.

The RG-12 vehicle series is described by its manufacturer, Denel Vehicle Systems (which falls under Denel Land Systems), as an armoured public order police vehicle or as (in the case of the Mark 4 version) an armoured multipurpose security vehicle. More than 700 RG-12s are in service worldwide. RG-12 Nyalas in SAPS service have a length of 5.2 m, a width of 2.5 m and a height of 2.64 m, with a wheelbase of 3 m. The normal complement is 12, including the driver.