New recruits to bolster eThekwini festive safety plans
The safety of holidaymakers and visitors remains a priority for eThekwini as they welcome more than 500 new recruits among their ranks as part of the city’s recovery plans to once again be a top holiday destination.
MORE than 500 new recruits will be joining the ranks of the eThekwini Metro Police following their passing out parade this morning at Kings Park Stadium.
The strong force of officers will be deployed ahead of the festive season throughout various areas of eThekwini to bolster the number of boots on the ground. Metro Police spokesperson, Colonel Boysie Zungu, said the officers will be deployed to townships, suburbs, and the Durban CBD among other areas of the municipality.
He said, “Our deployment will start from township level to ensure that if you visit these places, there is high visibility. We have increased our visibility on highways and in the CBD in terms of motor cars and foot patrols to ensure that no crime is taking place. We have also activated our cameras to ensure that you get assistance as early as possible. We have just received 198 new vehicles that is additional to our existing resources to ensure that we do our jobs as fast as possible.”
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With the focus currently being on having a safe festive season in eThekwini, Zungu said a Coastal and Tourists Unit, which will specialise in ensuring the safety of tourist areas, has been established as part of their beach plans.
“One is proud to say that our safety plan is ready. Our Durban drive-in site is up and running and access control to Mahatma Gandhi Road is already in place. All public transport will use the drive-in site to drop people and they will be taken for free by our buses so that we have control within that area,” said Zungu.
He said there will be zero tolerance on crime. “There will be roadblocks everywhere with zero-tolerance on any crime. There will be no time wasted, issues of bail will be discussed with prosecutors at the end of January because I do not have police officers that will sit in court for people who do not respect the law. If you commit an offence you will face the consequences,” said Zungu.
He reminded revellers and beach goers that drinking in public is an offence.
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