A PRE-DAWN swoop through some of Richards Bay’s most notorious greenbelts saw law enforcers make no fewer than 68 arrests on Wednesday morning.
Targeting bush areas close to crimeridden businesses around Dollar Drive, Peseta Parade, Bullion Boulevard and Alumina Allee, the team descended on illegal dwellings, rounding up sleeping suspects and searching for drugs, weapons and stolen items.
They hit the jackpot when one known ‘most wanted’ suspect was recognised and apprehended.
The joint operation, led by Richards Bay station commissioner Brig Brenda Mgenge, comprised Richards Bay uniformed and detective branches, the SAP Public Order Policing unit and CRG Security.
Those arrested were taken to the station to be fingerprinted and processed.
The task team began the operation at 3am and continued until well past daybreak.
Moving swiftly, numerous illegal shacks and informal camps were dismantled and set alight.
At one Bluegum Park site just 50 metres from Alumina Allee, a professional connection had been coupled to a water main, giving an unlimited water supply to unlawful squatters.
Some informal structure gave indication they were being shared with females, who are also known to be part of the gangs responsible for business burglary break-ins.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
