Planned operations to address promenade crime

THE Durban North SAPS has vowed it will take action to protect beach users and residents with planned operations to address the crime which has affected uMhlanga promenade. Last week a third woman was held-up at knife-point on the promenade and Lt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North SAPS, said the operations would be similar to the raids carried out on Virginia and Glenashley beaches. In each of the cases, the modus operandi was similar, where the suspect holds up his victims at knife-point. “We can assure residents there will be action and the culprit/s will be caught. We have a zero tolerance for crime and we will not tolerate this,” he said.

Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) project leader, Brian Wright, said there is a strong possibility the suspect is the same individual who is described as a youngish well dressed man. “These incidents are of grave concern to the UIP, users, businesses and property owners,” he said.

“There are three managed areas along the promenade, northern promenade properties, UIP and southern promenade properties. The number of guards in each area is determined by the amound of financial contributions each makes and all three areas provide night security from 6pm to 6am,” Wright explained.

“Only the northern promenade properties and UIP provide day security, while the southern promenade properties do not provide a dedicated day security guard between Ocean Way and Durban View Park, where the incidents took place,” he said.

Wright added other initiatives taken included an undercover field unit officer from the Durban North SAPS as well as incentives for the arrest among UIP security and utility personnel.

He urged residents to report any suspicious behaviour to the UIP on 086 111 2050.