This according to Kate Wardle, deputy chairperson of the Parkmore Community Association. She said the association, in conjunction with the police, Metro police, City Parks, Social Services and the Home Affairs Department assisted in the exercise. The vagrants were taken in for questioning.
“The operation was a success with a total of 25 people detained for further investigations,” said Wardle.
Lawrence Maluleke, cluster manager for the security company and the association said 13 suspects were from George Lea Park and five were from the Field and Study Park, with another seven from further up near Bryanston.
“No one was hurt and no possessions were burnt,” he said.
Wardle said there was increasing concern from residents about the number of vagrants and the subsequent rise in violent incidents in the two parks. She added that there had been five cases where dog walkers had been held up at gunpoint since this year alone.
“As the association, our first priority is the well-being of our residents,” said Wardle.
“We very much appreciate the support of the police and other authorities in undertaking this operation. This is not an easy situation for anyone, and we know that the vagrants, for the most part, are not criminals. But there has been a spike in crime.”
Mohammed Nassuiro, director of security for the association said, “We, the association, would like to extend our thanks to 24/7 for proactively driving this initiative on our behalf with Saps, and committing their resources to ensuring this operation was a success. I am continually impressed by the professionalism and dedication of all officers who conducted their work with dignity and in the middle of the night.”
