eThekwini adds 13 K9 handlers to Metro Police

By Levy Masiteng 

eThekwini Municipality has deployed 13 newly trained K9 handlers to the Durban Metro Police, raising the unit’s strength to 20, as the city expands specialist support for drug, firearm, and suspect-tracking operations.

The handlers were introduced at a passing-out parade near the Moses Mabhida Stadium after four months of training. The city said the passing out parade marked the start of the team’s operational deployment.

Deputy Mayor and Community Safety and Security Committee chairperson Zandile Myeni said the unit was a force multiplier.

“As crime continues to challenge our communities, including drug trafficking, vehicle hijackings, and violent crime, the deployment of specialised teams such as the K9 Unit is essential in strengthening our response and improving public safety,” she said.

The deployment comes three years after the Sunday Tribune reported that the metro police dog unit had no active, properly trained and certified police dogs, despite having