South Africa’s police force might not flaunt the eye-watering exotics of Dubai or race around in Lamborghinis like Italy’s organ transport service, but what it lacks in supercar glamour, it more than makes up for in numbers and smart choices. In a major boost to its high-performance lineup, the Durban Metro Police Service (DMPS) just received an impressive delivery 50 brand-new Volkswagen Golf GTIs.

These aren’t just any hot hatches. They’re proper, pre-facelift Mk8 GTIs, which might not be as powerful as the freshly minted Mk8.5, but they’re no slouches either. And if you squint at the fleet, you’ll spot one outlier a cheeky Volkswagen Polo, though it doesn't seem to be the GTI version.

Operating in South Africa’s third-largest city, Durban’s police force is serious about equipping officers with the right skills to handle these cars. With roughly 180 kW on tap from the GTI’s turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, these hot hatches can chase down speedsters or perform rapid response duties with ease provided the drivers are up to the task.

Responding to public concerns about police driving skills, the DMPS has already assured citizens that advanced driver training is in the works. “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,” read a social media post from the department. They emphasized that proper training would ensure these high-powered machines are used effectively and responsibly, rather than becoming a problem themselves. 

It’s not just Durban either earlier this year, South Africa’s elite Hawks unit, which investigates serious crimes like organised crime and corruption, also took delivery of 22 GTIs. Clearly, when it comes to fast, practical, and relatively affordable police vehicles, the Golf GTI hits the sweet spot.

Why the Golf GTI, you might ask? It’s simple: the GTI is a performance icon that delivers power, practicality, and reliability in one package. With enough muscle to chase down offenders and comfort for daily use, it’s the perfect tool for law enforcement. And in a fleet of 50, these cars are sure to make their presence felt on Durban’s streets.

Forget million-dollar exoticssometimes, it’s all about choosing the right car for the job, and South Africa’s police seem to be doing just that.