The South African Police Service’s aerial capacity in the Eastern Cape has collapsed, leaving the province with only one operational helicopter to serve millions of residents. One helicopter has been grounded for more than six years while awaiting repairs.
This is a crisis that directly affects the safety of families who rely on police air support in emergencies, stock theft investigations, and the fight against organised crime. The absence of aerial capacity means criminals can operate across vast rural and urban areas without fear of rapid response or effective pursuit.
In response to a parliamentary question, Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha revealed that the province had been allocated four helicopters, but only one, based at the Bulembu airport, was operational. One helicopter has been grounded since July 2019, when it was taken out of service for its periodic review, and has yet to return to service six years later.
MEC Nqatha also revealed that even if the helicopters are brought back into service, the SAPS would not have sufficient pilots to get them airborne. The response indicated that while eight helicopter pilots were required, only two were currently employed, one in Gqeberha and the other at Bulembu Airport.
The MEC stated that, despite the province being allocated a fixed-wing aircraft, none was operational in the province and of the 77 drones supposed to be operational, only five had been deployed.
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes this situation is unacceptable and demands urgent action.
I have written to MEC Nqatha to request that he table a comprehensive audit and recovery plan before the Legislature, with clear timelines for returning grounded helicopters to service and monthly reporting until the entire fleet is restored.
In addition, while helicopters remain unavailable, the MEC must ensure that the 77 drones allocated to the province are deployed immediately. Drone technology offers a cost-effective and immediate tool to restore some measure of aerial visibility and intelligence. The province already has trained drone pilots, and there is no excuse for drones to sit idle while communities suffer.
A functional aerial policing unit is not a luxury – it is a necessity for safeguarding rural communities, tracking syndicates, and protecting residents from violent crime. The people of the Eastern Cape deserve the assurance that every tool at the government’s disposal is being used to keep them safe.
The DA will continue to hold the government accountable until a full recovery plan is delivered, grounded helicopters are returned to service, and drone capacity is fully utilised. The people of the Eastern Cape deserve leadership that delivers, and a future built on dignity, opportunity, and honest government.