National key points get police attention.
Police stations across the country are still on high alert following a week of civil unrest which cost the country billions in jobs, infrastructure and the looting of goods and property. Brixton Police Station has been entrusted by the state to not only continue its efforts to keeping law and order in the community but to ensure the safety of national key points in the area.
On July 22 Northcliff Melville Times journalist Andile Dlodlo joined the station for their night patrols of the area. As part of their operations to ensure that the unrest is not reignited, they are tasked with monitoring the status and activity of Auckland Park landmark South African Broadcasting Corporation headquarters, state hospital Helen Joseph Hospital and the Sentech Tower atop Brixton hill along with many others. According to Brixton police spokesperson Jeanette Backhoff, they are checking into these key points several times a day and the necessary protocols are in place in case anything were to happen to them. She also confirmed the presence of military personnel being stationed at these key points on a rotational basis.
Sophiatown Police Station is also increasing its visibility in the area under the same national instruction given to the police. Spokesperson Captain TJ de Bruyn stated that they have had additional deployments at the station and have been participating in on-foot patrols in the early hours of the morning. “The areas of Newlands, Albertville, Greymont and surrounding areas can expect to see more police in the area to assist in keeping law and order. This is in relation to the unrest we experienced and the Covid-19 Disaster Management Act rules and regulations.”
The police stated that the operation will result in increased patrols of the area and high visibility of the police. Backhoff added, “We also need to ensure that people are adhering to the Covid-19 rules and regulations.”
As part of the night patrol police would questions those found to be in public after the curfew, ensure that liquor and food establishments aren’t operating outside of the law and respond to any emergencies.
