Following complaints from residents about suspected illegal activity near a property where informal traders recently relocated, Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy conducted a site visit.

The traders had previously operated along Winnie Mandela Drive, but later moved onto private property, with access points from Forest Drive and Winnie Mandela Drive in Fourways.

Reddy visited the site after community members raised concerns about shady business allegedly taking place at the Forest Road entrance. During the visit, the councillor spoke with a security guard stationed at the property, to better understand on-site activity.

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According to the guard, who refused to be named, individuals are occasionally seen briefly entering the premises, leaving items behind before others arrive shortly afterwards to collect them. The items are suspected to be drugs, according to Reddy.

When asked about the timing of these incidents, the guard indicated that such activity typically occurs during the afternoon, rather than early mornings.

While the observations raised concerns, Reddy emphasised the importance of avoiding speculation, and said no conclusions could be drawn without further investigation. He added that authorities would need to determine whether any illegal activities were taking place.

Reddy said the purpose of the visit was to gather information and assess whether the area posed safety risks to nearby residents and businesses. He encouraged residents to report suspicious behaviour through official law-enforcement channels, so that concerns could be properly investigated.

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When asked for comment about these allegations, Douglasdale Police Station Commander Brigadier Veeshani Arikum said: “We have a significant number of arrests for possession of drugs. I can’t say where exactly, but there has been an increase in arrests.

“[We] had a significant breakthrough, in regards to fraud, where people are promised large returns and scammed out of money.

“A 61-year-old victim was promised large returns on her money and was scammed out of her pension. Two people have been arrested and have appeared in court.”

In other matters, she said one person was arrested for possession of precious metals without a license, and three suspects were arrested for robbery. “Other arrests included bilking and assault under the Domestic Violence Act.”

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