A City of Johannesburg-led crime prevention raid was conducted on several hijacked buildings and illegally-run establishments along Davies Street in Doornfontein on 14 July.
Metro police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said the area was a known hotspot for criminal activity in the inner city. “This area along Davies Street experiences an average of three murders per weekend,” Minnaar told the publication.
“There was a double homicide in the area several months ago, which is just one of many such crimes which have led to a swift response on the part of law enforcement.”
Several arrests were made during the operation. A shop owner was arrested for presenting fraudulent shop certificates and expired goods were impounded. Another two people were arrested for the illegal possession of drugs, while several dangerous weapons, including knives, were confiscated.
According to the City’s Group Forensic and Investigations Services, a total of 98 undocumented persons were arrested and detained at the Jeppestown Police Station as part of the operation. A shop owner was also served with a R20 000 fine for employing undocumented persons.
“If we are going to turn around the decay of our inner city, it is vital that the rule of law is respected. I see the revitalisation of the inner city as key to ensuring economic growth and job creation in Joburg,” said Joburg Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba at the conclusion of the operation.
“I want to see run-down buildings turned into quality low-cost housing for our residents and affordable rental spaces for small businesses. We are committed to ensuring that we stop the rot in our inner city and make it a prosperous and inclusive place for our people to live work and play.”
Michael Ada Jara, who runs a business selling eggs and detergents on Davies Street, said Metro police ransacked his business and allegedly took money from where it was kept inside his shop.
Ada Jara said he caught the entire incident on video and will give the publication exclusive access to the footage. “These people walk into our shops and steal from us while the real criminals simply walk past,” said Ada Jara.
“I have a camera in the shop and saw them taking money from my shop. I was notified that I can’t be selling eggs and soap in the same area, and that I understand, but I don’t understand why they would steal from me.”
Updates will follow once the publication has viewed the footage from Ada Jara’s shop.
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