POLICE in Durban have increased deployment to the CBD and surroundings in a quest to eradicate crime in the area through the police’s Operation Vala.
Capt Muzi Maphumulo, SAPS spokesperson, said during the operation from 14 to 17 August, 78 arrests were made for various crimes.
“Police in Durban held a weekend blitz where many suspects who had contravened the law were charged for various crimes. The Durban Central SAPS have intensified visibility through patrols and roadblocks to eradicate crime in the city. The station created various groups and teams which do disruptive operations, patrols and ensure that the city if free from crime,” he said.
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Maphumulo said 30 people were arrested for contravening the Disaster Management Act, 37 were arrested for possession of drugs (heroin), 15 people were arrested for robbery, 10 were arrested for fraud, four people were arrested for selling counterfeit goods, six people were arrested for selling cigarettes and breaking curfew, one person was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and two were arrested for theft and misrepresentation.
Maphumulo said in another case, Durban Central police arrested a 20 year old for housebreak-in and possession of housebreak-in implements on 16 August at 11.30pm.
“The police were on patrol along West and Russel Streets when they noticed two men talking to a security guard. The members got suspicious after passing them and returned later to look for them. The members proceeded to Saville Lane where they noticed a roller shutter door which had been forced opened,” he said.
Maphumulo said the officers found the suspects nearby but only managed to arrest one, as the other ran away.
The arrested suspect was found in possession of a crow bar and other housebreak-in implements.
“The alertness of Durban Central members is paying dividends in ensuring that Durban is free of crime. The operations will continue to eradicate crime in Durban,” he said.
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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.
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