Vispol patrols decrease Wentworth crime
The eThekwini District Vispol Task Team conducted patrols in Merewent and Jacobs.
A VISIBLE policing (Vispol) task team was deployed in Wentworth to patrol the precinct.
Aimed at stabilising crime in the area, the Thursday, 21 January, operation conducted patrols in Merewent and Jacobs.
The eThekwini District Vispol Task Team comprising two groups, each had a commander with 20 members per group.
“The station commander, Col Willem van Zyl, made a request to the eThekwini District Commander-General Vukani Mgobhozi, the intervention of the district Vispol task team to be deployed in the Wentworth area.”
“The team was mandated to perform operational duties which included visible vehicle patrols in hotspots, foot patrols in identified areas such as flats, shopping malls and the Merebank Natraj Centre,” said communications officer, Captain Mbuso Gumede.
He said they also conducted stop-and-searches aimed at searching suspicious people as well as a search for unlicensed firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and dangerous weapons.
“The enforcement of the Disaster Management Act, such as failing to wear a mask, was also carried out. The teams also ensured that the selling or dealing in liquor was during restricted times.”
“The teams also conducted roadblocks, set up vehicle checkpoints, circulated suspicious vehicles driving in the area and charged motorist. This included vehicles driving with no number plates, no license disc or expired discs, unroadworthy vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
The police also raided suspected drug dens of illegal shebeens. A large number of suspects were arrested and charged.
Gumede said some had to pay stipulated fines for non-compliance while others were sent to court.
“The task team was also mandated to cordon and search buildings suspected of having organised crimes taking place. The eThekwini District Vispol Task Team’s approach to crime is zero tolerance and the members deployed were highly trained in dealing with any type of crime.
“The commanders in charge of these task teams are experienced with vast knowledge and are officers doing police duties accordingly as prescribed by Saps regulations. The team’s deployment has stabilised the area, which has resulted in a decrease in serious crime and incidents that the station had experienced before.”
“Illegal firearms, ammunition, a large amount of drugs and liquor, offence in medicinal control act, illegal immigrants whereby a number of accuse were arrested – these were the successes by the task team since they were deployed.”
The station commander Col Van Zyl and his management urge the community to work with the police deployed and be the eyes and ears in reporting crime or other suspicious activities taking place in Merewent, Jacobs.
“Assists the police in reporting crime because we cannot fulfill the mandate without your involvement in dealing with crime. Let’s fight crime together. Let’s ACT – Against Crime Together,” Gumede added.
Report crime to these numbers: CrimeStop 086-001-0111, Flying Squad 10111, SAPS Wentworth 031-4516240 or 6241 or 6242.
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