While Dubai boasts million-dollar exotic police cars and Italy uses Lamborghinis for speedy organ transport, South Africa has chosen a different path. The country focuses on getting more performance cars rather than just a few fancy brands.
The Golf GTIs chosen by Durban's police are the pre-facelift version. In South Africa, these cars come with automatic transmission only. They start at about $47,500 before adding police equipment. The department picked these cars because they're practical and relatively cheap. They're also powerful enough to catch speedsters and can easily transport suspects. Plus, they're comfortable for everyday use.
Some people have worried that the officers might not have the right driving skills for these high-performance cars. The police department has heard these concerns and plans to do something about it. They're going to start advanced driver training courses to make sure officers can handle the cars safely and responsibly.
A spokesperson from the department said:
"Equipping officers with the skills to handle high-performance vehicles responsibly is crucial not only for their safety but also for maintaining respect on the roads. Proper training will ensure that these vehicles are used effectively for law enforcement rather than creating additional issues. As part of the plans for the new police college, we're looking to introduce advanced driver training to address exactly this concern. The goal is to have well-trained officers who can navigate complex situations on the roads while ensuring that the public is treated with respect and that vehicles are maintained properly to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. We hear your concern about misuse, and with the right training and oversight, we're working to prevent any potential misuse of these vehicles. Officers need to uphold the highest standards, and we appreciate the feedback in pushing for more accountability and professionalism on the roads."
The department hopes these changes will make officers safer, improve public respect, and help police handle tricky road situations better. They also want to keep the cars in good shape and make sure officers act professionally at all times.
Source: Durban Metro Police Service
