Drug trade a thing of the past
NORTH RIDING – Victor Siwela thanked all the people who were key role players in the fight against drug dealings in Banbury Cross Village.
The scourge of drug trade and car jamming in Banbury Cross Village at North Riding has apparently been eradicated.
The centre, which was previously known for drug trade with dealers allegedly selling drugs at the shopping centre and intimidating customers, has become a peaceful area.
Ever since Xplorenation and I’D Proctors Security Company took over in November 2014, a lot has changed, but community involvement and engagement would ensure that the scourge is completely eradicated.
The security company owner Victor Siwela explained that it was not an easy task but hard work – strategies and commitment have yielded good results. “We worked closely with the Honeydew Police Drug Unit and JMPD to solve this problem,” he said.
He further explained that support from the community is significant to ensure that the place remains free from the drug trade.
According to him, the opening of the new school, PLG North Riding Academy, proved that the centre was free from crime.
“We do our best but we need community support. Residents are the ones who know their surroundings better and if they suspect any criminal activity they need to inform us,” he continued.
Siwela explained that people who sell drugs have changed their strategies and even if they are confronted, the drugs can not be found on them. “They no longer keep the drugs on them but at least they do not operate here anymore. With the assistance of the authorities, we managed to arrest most of them but they were released on bail,” he continued.
He then managed to communicate with the drug dealers and told them to conduct their business outside the complex and that if they do not leave, they would be forced to deal with them.
“The school is secured and there is security but we need residents to support us and help us identify key areas of drug dealings and petty crimes,” he concluded.
Authia, a waitress in one of the restaurants at the centre and who preferred to be known only by her first name, said even their customers felt better. “Our customers used to be frightened by those drug dealers but now the area is crime-free,” she said.
Honeydew Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs said they were conducting many operations in the area. “The sector manager is very active there with community awareness programmes about robberies and drug syndicates,” WO Jacobs said.
She concluded that drug-related incidents were decreasing in the area due to the weekly operations.
Details: Xplorenation and I’D Proctors Security company, 073 678 1677; Honeydew Police Station, 011 801 8604.
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