The Durban Metro Police Service in South Africa recently acquired 50 Volkswagen Golf GTIs to enhance its enforcement capabilities. While the police car fleet may not be as flashy as those in Dubai or Italy, it compensates with a large number of performance vehicles. These GTIs are based on the pre-facelift version, distinguishable by their headlights. Additionally, one smaller Polo vehicle was also included in the acquisition.
Operating in the third-most populous city in South Africa, the DMPS plans to provide advanced driver training courses to ensure that officers can effectively handle these high-powered vehicles. This move comes in response to criticisms about officers’ alleged lack of driving skills. The aim is to equip officers with the necessary skills to responsibly operate these vehicles for law enforcement purposes while maintaining safety and respect on the roads.
In a similar initiative earlier this year, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations Unit (Hawks) acquired 22 Volkswagen Golf GTIs. The Hawks is an elite law enforcement agency that focuses on investigating organized crime, economic crime, corruption, and other serious offenses. The choice of the Golf GTI for these departments is practical due to its affordability, speed, and comfort for daily use.
The Golf GTI in South Africa starts at approximately $47,500 before additional police equipment is added. The ZA-spec Golf GTI comes with an automatic transmission only, as Volkswagen has phased out the six-speed manual globally. Even the Golf R model no longer offers a manual option with the recent facelift.
The acquisition of these GTIs is part of a broader effort to equip law enforcement officers with the necessary tools and training to uphold professionalism and accountability on the roads. By investing in advanced driver training and oversight, the police aim to prevent any potential misuse of these vehicles and ensure that they are used effectively for law enforcement purposes.
Overall, the addition of the Volkswagen Golf GTIs to the police fleet in South Africa represents a strategic move to enhance enforcement capabilities and improve road safety. With proper training and oversight, these high-performance vehicles can be utilized responsibly to maintain respect on the roads and effectively address criminal activities.
