Benoni CPF executive chairperson Reza Patel provided these figures at the CPF annual general meeting, in the Benoni City Hall, on October 30.
He also reported that it has been confirmed that two evictions from drug houses will happen by the end of November, and that eight are pending.
This follows concerted efforts by the CPF to rid the area of the ongoing prostitution and drug dealing.
“Between October, last year, and October, this year, we have managed to close down four such houses,” said Patel.
The CPF is of the view that overcrowded and derelict houses fuel prostitution, drug dealing and other crimes in the area and, as a result, the forum has identified nine overcrowded houses, of which two are suspected to be drug dens.
He also said the dilapidated property at 2 Durham Street, which Clr Mary Goby fought tooth and nail to have demolished, is set to be knocked down in January, 2014.
Patel further shared the achievements and works of Benoni CPF patrollers.
“They have presence in every suburb of Benoni and are the first line of defence for the community,” he said.
He added that their efforts have led to arrests and convictions, prevented mob justice, helped in finding missing persons and identified crime hotspots.
So far, the CPF has 834 members.
