A
successful crime prevention operation led by the Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality at the Koedoeskloof
Landfill site in Kariega today, October 25, resulted in the arrest of at least ten undocumented immigrants, demolition of illegal shelters and confiscation of
weapons when law enforcement officers pounced on the site in the early hours of the morning.
This
comes as the city, working closely with key stakeholders, is intensifying all law
enforcement efforts across various sectors within the city.
The
operation saw the city’s Metro Police, Security Services, Electricity, Home
Affairs, South African Police Service and MBDA among others, joining hands to
fight against land invasion, illegal weapons and suspected illegal immigrants
within the municipal facility.
Safety
and Security Portfolio Head, Lawrence Troon, said: “During the operation we
managed to demolish 15 illegally built shelters within the facility. That was
basically land invasion and it is not safe for the municipal workers and
residents who use the site. The lawlessness in our city must come to an end. People can’t just do as they please when there are bylaws and other state laws
in place.
“Our
responsibility, working closely with our stakeholders, is to ensure the safety
of our residents. We confiscated knives during today’s operation
and really want to warn criminals that these facilities are not hideout
spots for them. This was the first of many to come operations, we are
continuously implementing crime prevention strategies and want to thank our
dedicated officials and stakeholders who are doing a sterling job in this
area.”
NMBM
Public Health portfolio head, Cllr Tshonono
Buyeye, said that the operation was welcomed as criminal activities taking place in landfill
sites were a challenge for the city.
“Our
residents fear going to Koedoeskloof
Landfill Site to dispose of their waste because they get mugged. We are trying to
make our properties safer. These societal problems need all of us to work
together as government stakeholders if we really want to see sustainable
solutions,” he said.
