MEMBERS of the community and business sector of Point and South Beach gathered at Addington Primary School recently for an imbizo involving the SAPS, Durban Metro, CPF and Business Against Crime.

The area, known for its attraction of local and global tourists, is compromised by unabated crime, drug activities, homelessness, sex work, and theft, according to residents.

The imbizo aimed to recap on the previous meeting and to raise concerns about the elements of crime that encircle the area.

Highlighting recent crime statistics, Point SAPS Warrant Officer Mac Maharaj indicated that common robbery was the main contributing factor, related to cellphones. Also concerning was the theft out of motor vehicles.

While he acknowledged that crime has decreased, he added, “Drugs also rank high in the list of concerning crimes. This area has a lot of alcohol outlets, which also generate criminal activities. To fight these crimes, we conduct regular stop-and-search, foot patrols and vehicle checks,” said Maharaj.

He warned of theft hotspots outside Addington Hospital, outside Tropicana and O.R. Tambo Parade.

CPF chairperson Mandla Cebekhulu reiterated their commitment to fighting the scourge of crime and highlighted new programmes to be adopted to beef up this mission.

“We aim to forge stronger bonds with all structures of law enforcement, while we bring the community challenges forward and provide solutions,” said Cebekhulu.

Colonel Joshua Nkhomo of Durban Metro Police raised the problem of the homeless, which has been ongoing despite conducting regular removals. “The homeless community is vast and uncontrollable, and Social Welfare must address this issue. The Human Rights Commission also holds back the police from exercising their duties,” said Nkhomo.
He added, “Feeding schemes have contributed to the homeless situation. We urge the community to play a role in fighting this problem.”

Ward 26 councillor Sibusiso Lushaba highlighted the progress made since the previous imbizo, noting the removal of the homeless and subsequent shutdown of a public toilet on Mahatma Gandhi Road, which had become a crime den. He warned against illegal dumping of house contents, which in turn attracts the homeless.

Some disgruntled community members described the imbizo as a “Talk Show” which yields no tangible results

Community members say:

· As vendors, we are grateful to the police for cleaning up crime elements. It’s a good start, and we seek more to be done.

· We see foreign nationals selling drugs and recruiting young boys to sell.

· Police officers take bribes from criminals.

· The City must take action against abandoned buildings, which have become dens for illicit activities.

· The population of South Beach has increased, but SAPS personnel have decreased. No replacements, no vehicles. This is a worrying factor regarding the capacity to fight crime.

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