Koppie crime clean-up
MELVILLE - Melville Koppies received a thorough scrubbing and cleaning when the police combined forces with other Metro departments and combed the hills to flush out criminal elements.
Twelve people were detained on the Melville Koppies in an initiative by the Sophiatown police to ‘Clean up the koppies’ on 5 July.
Members of the police force, a contingent from Johannesburg Metro Police, residents from neighbouring communities and the Melville Koppies Management committee patrolled the West area of the koppies in search of possible wrong-doers.
This action was initiated after a recent spate of crime in this nature reserve.
“Nobody was arrested, and there were no violent incidents,” police spokesperson Warrant Officer TJ de Bruyn said on 8 July.
“Police took fingerprints and checked the records of the guys who were bought in.”
He said that the initiative was very successful. “In particular, the community, the police and the Johannesburg Metro Police working together was great.”
Westdene Resident’s Association member Mark Napier concurred. “The police said that they are thinking of making it a regular event,” he said.
“This is a great way to make our neighbourhoods safer.”
*City Parks and the area ward councillor were contacted for comment and had 72 hours to respond. At the time of print they had not responded.
*Melville Koppies Management committee member David Hirsch offered tips to efficiently report crime in the koppies:
-If a crime has just been committed or you see criminal activity or suspicious behaviour phone 10111 and get a reference number. Also phone the Sophiatown patrol vans: 071 675 6191 or 071 675 6188.
-If anyone has been robbed, write down their details and phone the Melville Koppies West sub-committee on 078 995 5597.
-If you can, get a description of the criminals. It is particularly helpful to record: number, ages, race, height, clothes worn, any distinguishing features and weapons shown.
