Bedfordview SAPS and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) staged a joint roadblock last Thursday in Morninghill.
The roadblock forms part of the partnership entered into by the security cluster in the area.
SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mduduzi Nhlabathi said his station has a close relationship with the EMPD, security companies and the Bedfordview Community Police Forum (BCPF).
“In the fight against crime we have taken the approach to involve and work closely with our partners. We have frequent intelligence meetings with all these stakeholders and discuss trends and strategies to eradicate the criminal element in our policing precinct,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
During the roadblock, licences were checked and cars searched.
Traffic fines were also issued.
“We also checked registration numbers for any cars reported stolen,” he said.
Sector 1 manager, W/O Simon Ndubane said residents should be aware when making use of areas classified as hot spots in Bedfordview.
“The intersection of Van Buuren and Van der Linde roads is one hot spot we keep telling residents about. From intelligence we are able to determine that these criminals walk from the Primrose area during late afternoon and target motorists and pedestrians alike during peak-hour traffic. We urge people making use of Van Buuren walking between Malvern and Bedfordview to be careful. Walk in pairs and try to avoid that area after dark,” said W/O Ndubane.
W/O Nhlabathi said police have made arrests in connection to crimes committed along the route.
“We will continue to arrest until people can walk home safely,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
W/O Ndubane said other hot spots include Boeing and Van der Linde roads.
“After 6pm we are aware that criminals target motorists and women walking alone. We also recently had a rape and a robbery incident in the same vicinity. We struggle with bogus cops along our freeways as well. We urge residents and motorists to drive to the police station should they be stopped by unmarked cars,” he said.
He said Sovereign Street was also problematic for the police. “People are also being targeted when walking between Malvern and Bedfordview to and from work,” said W/O Ndubane.
W/O Nhlabathi said residents driving through Boeing Road and Civin Drive should be cautious.
“Although we continue to monitor this area like all areas in Bedfordview, we urge motorists to be on the lookout for criminals who operate under the bridge and then run onto the highway,” he said.
In recent weeks, the SAPS launched a strategy that would rid the area of criminals posing as beggars.
Three men have since been arrested.
