The alleged scourge of drug trade in Melville is a worrying trend and persists in the area.
Drug traders allegedly stand on street corners pulling over their customers on a daily basis. One notorious trader was allegedly spotted on 3rd Avenue doing trade on various occasions and operates opposite the orphanage in front of the children in broad day light.
A resident who would not be named for fear of victimisation explained that it is infuriating that nothing is being done about this problem. “It is crazy that children in the orphanage watch this going on all day and night,” he said.
The alleged drug trader apparently stashes his goods in an elevated cement area on the pavement.
CSS Tactical Armed Response Unit area manager, Sonnyboy Masuku, explained that they conduct regular operations with Melville Sector Crime Unit.
He said that several arrests were made in previous joint operations. Last December one suspect was arrested.
Masuku indicated that they would continue with investigations in the area in the hope of eradicating the problem. “We offered to assist police with manpower when the need arises,” he explained.
Josh Nel, regional tactical manager explained that the presence of students in the area should be considered. He said that it was obvious that traders would not be there if they did not have customers.
Danny Nunes explained that the scourge paints a negative light in the community and residents would not like to be associated with a place known for drugs.
“We do arrest suspects during patrols but those people have been operational for a long period,” he said.
According to Nunes, the drug dealers allegedly plead to the magistrate and get a fine and then go back to the streets and continue their businesses.
Brixton Police spokesperson, Jeanette Backhoff, confirmed that they do conduct operations on a regular basis in the area.
She explained that drug awareness campaigns are held regularly and pamphlets are distributed to educate community members about the problem.
“Hot spots are visited and stop-and-search operations are done. Suspects who are arrested will go to court where the court will decide if the suspect is guilty or not,” she explained.
She concluded that police made 18 drug-related arrests within the Brixton Precinct in February.
Details: CSS Tactical, 011 577 1111.
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