Keeping law and order in Melville
MELVILLE – Police and Metro say they are doing their jobs when it comes to dealing with illegal activity in the area.
Policing authorities say action against lawbreaker is taking place. Both the Brixton Police Station and Metro police have stated that they are doing their parts to tackle law-breaking and by-law infringements in the busy regions of Melville.
This comes after residents in the area spoke to the Northcliff Melville Times about the lack of consequences faced by businesses and their clients for various illegal acts. These range from establishments in the area not having the correct licences to conduct business, public drinking, and allowing customers to leave with alcohol.
Spokesperson of Metro Police, Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar stated that they have held four big operations in Melville over the past 12 months and weekend patrols, every weekend. During these times a few clubs have been closed due to the discoveries made during these operations. “Four clubs have been closed down for not complying with emergency safety by-laws.”
On the policing front, residents indicated that those apprehended for public drinking do not and cannot get arrested for the crime. Spokesperson for the Brixton Police Station, Jeanette Backhoff said this is false as people can be arrested or given a fine for drinking in public. She also mentioned that theft of motor vehicle, theft out of motor vehicles, theft of cell phones, handbags and laptops are among the most common crimes in the region.
Backhoff shared the activities and responsibility of the station in the keeping of Melville as a law-abiding region. “We have patrols daily, integrated operations with sector managers, Crime Prevention Unit and security companies at least one or twice a week. We also have crime awareness operations and have meetings with all security companies involved in Melville once a week.”
Minnaar explained the possible consequences that could be faced by establishments for various illegal activity. “Clubs face penalties of R1 000 to R2 500 if they don’t have fire extinguishers or emergency exits. Cars which obstruct traffic can get towed to the Metro police pound and the owners have to pay a fine of R3 130 per car. Drunken drivers get arrested on the spot and are taken for a blood sample and thereafter get detained at a police station.”
Related Article:
