In a bid to combat crime and keep the area clean and safe, the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID) and several other role-players recently conducted a Safety Night Operation along Voortrekker Road.
The coordinated night operation on Friday 24 April, covered all three VRCID precincts. The City of Cape Town‘s Law Enforcement and Metro Police and private security company Securitas was also in attendance.
The operation focused on known crime hot-spots, where stop-and-searches were conducted, along with increased patrols. Teams also visited nightclubs in the area and carried out foot patrols to enhance visibility and safety.
Shops trading beyond permitted hours were shut down, and three suspects were detained for possession of drugs.
Derek Bock, VRCID chief operating officer, said the organisation will continue to prioritise joint operations to address crime and bylaw transgressions in the area.
Partnership
“The VRCID, in partnership with the police, and Law Enforcement, will continue to conduct coordinated operations of this nature to address crime hot-spots and ensure compliance within the VRCID area,” Bock said.
He added that the VRCID remains committed to identifying problematic and non-compliant businesses and escalating these to the relevant authorities. “We will continue to identify and report illegal or non-compliant activities within the area to both the City and police for further investigation and action.”
Bock also emphasised the importance of accountability among property owners. “It is critical that landlords take responsibility for their properties. Accepting rental income without ensuring proper maintenance or oversight of tenant activities contributes to ongoing challenges in the area.”
He further stated that certain properties operating as so-called “bed and breakfast” establishments have raised concerns.
“We are aware of premises presenting themselves as short-term accommodation, but which may be linked to illicit activities, including prostitution.
“These establishments will be documented, and their details will be handed over to the City for further investigation.”
Bock added that, where necessary, matters will also be referred to other relevant authorities.
“Where there are concerns regarding buildings potentially harbouring undocumented individuals or being used unlawfully, these will be escalated to the appropriate departments, including the Department of Home Affairs, for investigation,” Bock said.
Roger Cannon, Ward 2 councillor, also expressed his concerns regarding the influx of student accommodation in the Parow. He said more and more property owners are converting buildings into student accommodation.
Concerns
He also highlighted several ongoing issues during an area visit recently. These include vagrants occupying public open spaces, and pavements, illegal informal traders along Voortrekker Road, drug sales in the open, brothels, problem buildings occupied by illegal squatters, noise pollution caused by night clubs, and businesses selling alcohol without the necessary liquor licence.
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