Pinetown Police crack down on crime
Pinetown Police will continue to conduct crime operations to reduce the crime in the area after the arrests of more than 50 people in less than a week for various crimes.
PINETOWN SAPS’ operation of cracking down on criminals is yielding good results as more than 50 arrests were made for illegal immigrants, drug arrests and possession of stolen property. Several arrests were also made for second-hand dealers not complying with the law – and liquor offences.
Station Commander Brigadier Leon Matthysen said that by removing these suspects, they believe that the robberies around the Pinetown CBD and in the New Germany area will decrease.
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He said these operations will become a routine.
“In the last few weeks, the station has made many arrests – known suspects were arrested for contact crime: murder, attempted murder, assault gender-based violence (GBV) and gender-based crime.”
The station commander also advised the public to exercise caution when driving around Pinetown.
“We still have a problem of street robberies that occur at certain intersections around the CBD. We advise people to not open their windows and lock the doors, especially in the mornings and afternoons when the traffic is congested.”
Apart from the known notorious intersections, Matthysen warned of the crime increase in Kings Road.
“People should not leave valuables in the car as there are many reports of theft-out-of-motor-vehicle incidents in that area,” he said.
Matthysen thanked the external role-players, such as security companies, patrollers and neighbourhood watches – the Community in Blue that is dedicated to assisting the police fight crime.
“I always say this – the police cannot fight crime alone – we need to work hand in hand with the community, as well.”
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In addition, Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Siboniso Shezi said they would like to continue with their Youth Desk and appeal to the youth to be a part of it.
He said the Youth Desks are volunteer-based structures based at police stations. The desks encourage and enable young people to participate actively in identifying the causes of youth violence and crime, and to collaborate in creating social-crime prevention strategies for their communities.
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