Windsor East under the spotlight

WINDSOR EAST - A clean-up operation by Metro police is still underway, focusing on ridding the suburb of different crimes.

August 14, 2016

Chantelle Fourie 2 minutes read

There has been an increase in patrolling Metro police vehicles in Windsor East.

No stranger to crime, Windsor East has become the subject of a focused clean-up operation by the Metro police, resulting in a “marked difference” in the area.

Since the beginning of July, Metro police have increased their presence in the area and started the Windsor East Clean-up Operation.

Metro police spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar, said since the beginning of the clean-up operation in Windsor East, there have been more than three hundred people stopped in their cars and searched. Approximately 500 individuals were searched, more than two hundred traffic fines issued, one arrest, illegal drugs found, five taxis impounded and even an ‘abandoned child’ found,” said Minnaar.

The operation, currently being sustained in Windsor East, was initiated as a result of high crime levels in the area. “People complaining about crime, drugs, illegal dumping, illegal taxi ranks, homeless people and theft, resulted in this operation. With the presence of the officers here there has been a marked difference under the leadership of Regional Commander, Joe Sebola,” Minnaar added.

Sebola agreed that there has been a difference since the operation began. “We had a meeting with the chief of Metro police, Zwelibanzi Nyanda, and he said we must do something,” he said. Pappie Thomas, a Windsor resident for over 15 years, also agreed on the change saying the streets are cleaner and people are obeying the laws. “Now you see people with seats belts on. We feel safe having them around; timing is everything, and the fact that it is happening is positive. It is better than it not happening at all,” he said.

Laurette van Zijl, previous ward 98 councillor, said the greater Windsor area has been in a state of decline over the past few years. “It took a long time, but I am happy something is finally being done. Many residents bought apartments in Windsor years ago as investments and now they cannot get buyers for these homes, but things are looking better and residents are happy about the operation,” she said.