Ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge joined Metro Police for a nuisance bylaw swoop that netted 28 arrests for loitering, solicitation and drug possession on Thursday night, 14 April.
A Metro Police team comprised of members from Isipingo and Chatsworth, under the command of Superintendent Nell and with political oversight by Cllr Beetge, followed up resident information regarding various bylaw infringements.
The focus areas included the Beach Road parking area, promenade, around Beach Road, the CBD between Kingsway and Commercial Road, Kingsway into Rockview, Main Road, Somerset Way and back into Kingsway in Warner Beach up to the Gordon Road and Auracaria Road intersection in Winkelspruit.
“While a number of warnings were issued, the operation succeeded in locating a remote jammer, housebreaking equipment, several knives and an array of drugs that included rock cocaine, cannabis and whoonga, which led to the arrests,” said Cllr Beetge.
He said that while there was a focus on specific infringements, they were astounded as to what actually transpires on the streets after dark.
“It would appear we have become a lawless society as drivers ignore road signs that include stopping, driving against one-way traffic, parking against traffic, speeding, parking on the beaches, unroadworthy vehicles that have none or not all lights working and drugs appear purchased without as much as the blink of an eye.
It was also clear why we are experiencing the solicitation problem as the women seem to have no shortage in customers.
To all who believe the law doesn’t apply them, be warned, this was not the last of these operations and while there are some serious penalties associated with infringements, consideration is being extended to stopping at a suspect’s house to pick up a toothbrush en route to the police cells.
Thank you to the officers in blue who participated and whose positive attitude rendered the evening a success,” said Cllr Beetge.
