SCP security and JMPD lead successful cleanup operation

Join the movement for cleaner, safer parks as a recent joint operation led by SCP Security, JMPD, and Bidvest Protea Coin Airwing has transformed public spaces in Johannesburg.

Officers did clean up where displaced individuals have made a home for themselves in Region B.

In a significant collaborative effort to enhance the cleanliness and safety of public spaces, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), alongside SCP Security, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) By-law Management Unit, and Bidvest Protea Coin Airwing, conducted an extensive operation, targeting displaced persons and unsanitary conditions in public parks.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all community members in Johannesburg.

The operation concentrated on several key locations, including Roosevelt Park, Emmarentia, and Linden, where teams worked diligently to address the pressing issue of waste accumulation and human displacement in these public areas.

Over a two-hour period, the collaborative teams successfully filled two eight-ton trucks with garbage and rubbish, underscoring the scale and impact of their concerted efforts.

Clive Maher, head of SCP Security, praised the professionalism exhibited throughout the operation. “The initiative was well-received and conducted within the ambit of the law.”

He further stated that the involvement of Bidvest Protea Coin Airwing proved invaluable, as they provided essential aerial support and strategic guidance on specific areas to target, ensuring that all safety precautions were observed.

JMPD officers evacuating displaced individuals.

Also read: JMPD provides an overview of operations in Region B for February

“The operation is not merely a cleanup effort but a vital step towards re-establishing public parks as safe havens for community members. By addressing the dual challenges of waste management and the presence of displaced persons, the collaboration highlights a commitment to improving the overall quality of life in Johannesburg’s urban spaces.”

Furthermore, the JMPD, in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Environmental Management Department, SCP Security, and Legit Security, also targeted problematic areas within Region B, specifically focusing on Rosebank and Emmarentia.

This initiative was aimed at enforcing city by-laws and curbing lawlessness, particularly concerning street trading and homelessness. JMPD superintendent Xolani Fihla, said that in Rosebank, officers and Environmental Management officials focused their efforts on regulating street vendors and sidewalk trading activities.

“During this operation, three lots of perishable items were impounded from vendors found selling goods in unsanitary conditions along Gelicoe Street. One vendor received a notice of unsatisfactory trading practises from inspectors, emphasising the importance of maintaining health and safety standards in public commerce.”

Simultaneously, another JMPD team conducted operations in various parks and open spaces around Emmarentia Dam, specifically targeting issues related to homelessness and the proliferation of illegal structures.

“Approximately 35 homeless individuals were moved from public areas, with local authorities encouraging them to seek more appropriate shelter options. Furthermore, the operation resulted in the demolition of 65 shacks and makeshift structures, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment in the inner city,” he said.

Fihla concluded that the JMPD remains steadfast in its commitment to tackling the challenges posed by illegal activities, homelessness, and unsanitary conditions within Region B. These operations are part of an ongoing effort to create a safer, cleaner, and more habitable environment for all residents and visitors, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance public safety and well-being in Johannesburg.