A joint operation of law enforcement agencies swooped on street traders at Pan Africa Mall recently and netted several offenders in the process.
In a communique, Luyanda Longwe, Stakeholder Manager for the MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun said the operation comprised of the JMPD’s By-Law Enforcement Unit, SAPS’ crime prevention operations unit, local Community Police Forum members and the Alexandra Patrollers group.
“The operation was to enforce the law, curb the high level of non-compliance of city by-laws and eradicate criminal activities in Alexandra.” This is said in reference to the 110 Jmpd officers and Traffic Wardens, 16 Alexandra SAPS officers, 19 Alexandra Patrollers and 2 CPF members who were involved.”
Longwe said the lack of by-law compliance has been a public outcry in Alexandra with residents pleading with the JMPD to intensify enforcement in the area. According to Longwe, after two hours into the operation, a group of about 50 non-complaint traders disrupted the operation by shouting and heckling which escalated and resulted in an attack on the JMPD officers. “They illegally took back the impounded goods and sadly, a female traffic warden who was assaulted by a group of male traders suffered bruises and was taken to Milpark hospital for treatment.” The incident was captured on video which seemingly went viral on social media.
Despite this, Longwe noted the following successes:
- Three suspects arrested for assaulting the Jmpd officer
- Six suspects arrested without legal documents to be in the country
- 1 500 illegal electricity connections removed
- Three trucks and seven bakkie loads of goods impounded.
Of the abuse to officers, Longwe said security agencies will not tolerate thuggery. “We will also not be intimidated by anyone who believes violence will deter us from restoring law and order in the city. “The Jmpd has been instructed to continue with the Integrated By-law Enforcement and Crime Prevention Operation in Alexandra as we will not allow innocent resident to suffer from lawlessness.”
He asked residents of the city to cooperate with the JMPD’s plans for similar operations citywide.
Details: luyandalo@joburg.org.za 061 496 0536
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