Teamwork bolsters North Coast festive season law and order

Crime took a backseat this holiday season thanks to a groundswell of support for law and order operations from both the public and private sectors.

Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairman, Morné Steffens, said this year’s safety and protection measures proved to be extremely effective, especially at the beach nodes in Ballito, Salt Rock and Tiffany’s.

Involved in the collective initiatives to curb crime and unruly behaviour were Saps, the KwaDukuza Crime Prevention Unit, iLembe Chamber of Commerce, the Ballito UIP, the Rise Up Movement, IPSS Security, IPSS Medical Rescue, Marshall Security, IGS Security, and the Ballito and Salt Rock neighbourhood watches.

They were supported by generous donations from estates, businesses and private individuals.

Steffens said the combined efforts ensured minimal alcohol presence on beaches and effective measures to restrict drinking and driving.

“As one of the Dolphin Coast’s main revenue streams, the safety and enjoyment of locals and visiting tourists are crucial. The partnership between stakeholders has notably improved beach safety over the last four years during the festive season, allowing holidaymakers to have a pleasant and trouble-free time.”

He emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive experience for tourists, highlighting the positive impact it has on the local economy.

In 2020, the issue of beach by-law enforcement reached boiling point with businesses threatening to boycott rates should swift action not be taken.

Recurring problems included multiple stabbings, trash-strewn beaches and streets, loud music and rowdy revellers endangering both themselves and other beachgoers.

Umhlali police spokesperson, Captain Vinny Pillay, thanked all stakeholders for their commitment to combat crime and keep the beaches clean and safe.

With 27 new constables supporting efforts during the festive season, Umhlali police noted a decrease in crime in the townships compared to previous years, with fewer incidents of murder, assault, and robbery being reported.

Pillay acknowledged the essential role played by the ‘Community in Blue’ initiative – a community policing forum element comprised of men and women patrollers who support and strengthen visible policing.

They are the eyes and ears on the ground looking for and reporting criminal elements and crime to the authorities.

iLembe cluster spokesperson Alex Thomson said the festive season operations, continuing throughout January, included a 24-hour high-visibility roadblock at N2 Mvoti Toll and daily roadblocks within the district.

“Arrests have been made for offences such as possession of unlicensed firearms, illegal immigration and drunken driving. The district has also carried out high density operations and four cordon and search operations in high-crime areas within KwaDukuza, Umhlali and Sundumbili. A significant number of wanted suspects, illegal liquor license operators, undocumented foreign nationals, individuals involved in drug-related activities and drunken drivers were apprehended. A report detailing the arrests will be released at the conclusion of the festive operations,” said Thomson.

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