THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Metro Police, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, is intensifying efforts to combat crime across the region.
In a statement, municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, said this move is aimed at enhancing community safety in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro area.
The Metro Police is optimistic that their comprehensive crime-fighting operations are leading to significant positive outcomes in creating a safer Metro environment.
On Tuesday, January 7, the Metro Police Crime Prevention Unit conducted extensive patrols in Central, particularly around Parliament Street.
During these patrols, community members alerted the police to possible drug dealings in the area.
Acting on this information, a suspicious individual was observed and approached by the officers.
However, upon confrontation, the suspect fled into a local flat yard.
While the suspect evaded capture, a thorough search of the area exposed a concealed drug operation, with drugs hidden under stones, in letterboxes, clothing on washing lines, shoes, and drainage pipes.
Confiscated drugs included 103 bags of tik, 15 bags of cat, 13 mandrax tablets, and 23 dagga bags.
The total illicit items seized held an estimated street value of R2000. All evidence was handed over to Humewood SAPS.
In a separate incident on the same day, Metro Police officers on Parliament Street noticed an African male acting evasively.
The police searched him and found three bags of CAT, leading to his arrest and detention at the Humewood Police Station.
Additionally, officers identified a suspicious transaction between two men in Parliament Street.
Upon investigation, one of the men attempted to bribe an officer with a R200 note to avoid arrest, which resulted in his detention for multiple charges, including bribery, dealing in dagga, and failing to provide documentation authorising his presence in South Africa.
Brigadier Trevor Smith, leading the Metro Police, emphasised the omnipresence of law enforcement throughout Nelson Mandela Bay and reiterated the commitment to addressing various illegal activities, including drug dealing and public drinking.
“If you are on the wrong side of the law, we will catch you. Bribing an officer is an additional criminal offence,” Smith warned.
The intensified operations are scheduled to continue throughout January, focusing on ensuring law and order.
Residents were urged to cooperate with law enforcement, refrain from all illegal activities, and report any criminality to contribute positively to the community’s safety.
Councillor Luyanda Lawu, the MMC for Safety and Security, extended a call for community cooperation in these efforts to make Nelson Mandela Bay a safer place for all residents.
