Police execute raid on downtown Hazyview

A police raid in downtown Hazyview on Thursday April 20 saw the men and women in blue targeting illegal gamblers and drug dealers in the area. The raid was conducted by the Hazyview Public Order Police Unit after complaints had been received from businesses and customers that the area was no longer safe, despite being next to the police station. No one was arrested during the raid. ALSO READ: Downtown Hazyview is a hub for criminal activities The police destroyed or confiscated the gambling tables. They warned the gamblers that if they were found in the area again, the law enforcers would not be so lenient. After the raid, the gamblers were ordered to clean and vacate the area. Varying accounts of the success of the raid were given. These included reports of innocent people being beaten and forced to clean the area. Business owners and vendors welcomed the police action, saying they hoped to see more raids until the gamblers, drug dealers and homeless people permanently moved out. ALSO READ: Tourists to Hazyview to benefit from innovative approach A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said this was a regular police raid to fight crime, and they would continue until the area was crime-free. "As for those who claimed they were assaulted, it is their right to report the matter to the police who will escalate the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. "The raid was a success and we will monitor the area to make sure no criminal activities take place. As for the drug dealers, one way or another, we will catch them one day. We are also asking members of the public with information to come forward," he said.