Brazen shootouts, drugs, concerning, says DA

THE Democratic Alliance Central Durban Constituency has called for an immediate and long-lasting response to drug related violence that is growing in central Durban and surrounding suburbs.

According to Councillor Chris Pappas, two videos recently emerged in relation to shootings at Sydenham Heights on Rippon Road in Sydenham. In the videos rival drug groups are seen brazenly engaged in shootouts.

In one of the videos police are seen shooting at the drug dealers on the streets of Sydenham.

“The DA is disturbed to hear that SAPS has known about the drug problem in this area for many years but has done little to intervene and correct it. The situation has now drastically spiralled, endangering the surrounding community,” said Pappas.

He went on to say that the incident in Sydenham was symptomatic of the deteriorating crime problem faced in communities.

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“SAPS requires more resources and better intelligence gathering mechanism to combat the scourge of crime sweeping the city. In addition, years of filling senior posts with politically connected people has left the SAPS with a leadership deficit. SAPS must have qualified and capable people in senior leadership positions,” he said.

The Democratic Alliance Central Durban Constituency, through local public representatives, will compile a memorandum of grievances to be handed to the relevant Cluster Commanders covering the Central Durban Constituency.

The memorandum will outline the problems communities face in relation to crime and will propose interventions to reinstate law and order.

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