A community-driven project aimed at curbing crime and restoring safety in the KwaDukuza CBD has made substantial inroads since being launched in November.

KwaDukuza ActionSA PR councillor Aresh Singh created and personally funded the Action Crime Stop CBD initiative, which has run since November 25 and will end on January 15. It comes amid rising crime levels, service delivery failures and serious socio-economic challenges, including vagrancy and substance abuse in the area.

“The fear and lack of safety in our town must end. Enough is enough,” said Singh.

Key objectives include direct crime intervention by identifying and removing criminal groups responsible for robberies and attacks, as well as restoring the rule of law through visible policing. Singh said the project also targets open drug use in public spaces and prioritises the protection of vulnerable groups.

“We are creating a safer atmosphere for the elderly and other people who are often targeted because the public is too afraid to intervene,” he said.

In addition, the initiative focuses on reporting damaged infrastructure and unresolved service delivery issues, while assisting people affected by homelessness and substance abuse. Transport is also being arranged for stranded individuals to return home.

By early December, Singh said the project had already achieved about 70% of its objectives and to date they have relocated 38 people living on the streets, with some sent to a rehab centre.

“We have arrested wanted criminals, disarmed a suspect who used a blank gun during crimes, cleaned the streets and ensured that no vagrants are sleeping overnight in the CBD. Crime has been reduced to almost nil,” he said.

“This initiative brings hope to business owners and vulnerable residents who come to shop in our town,” he said.

He warned that without urgent intervention, KwaDukuza risks becoming a ghost town and called on residents and business owners to support the initiative by joining patrols and standing united against crime.

Singh can be contacted at 082 071 1300.

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