Only 4 incidents recorded on New Year’s eve says Melville security
With up to 1 000 visitors in the area, Melville remained largely incident-free during New Year’s Eve.
A strong sense of cooperation between community safety partners helped ensure a calm and welcoming New Year’s Eve in Melville, despite the night being widely regarded as one of the highest-risk periods for crime and violence across the city.
The Melville Security Initiative (MSI) operated throughout the festivities, from 6pm on New Year’s Eve to 6am on New Year’s Day.
Read more: Fairland CPF encourages community spirit and vigilance during busy festive period
During the 12-hour shift, only four formal incidents were recorded: two isolated fights, a stolen wallet, and a robbery that resulted in the arrest of two suspects. According to the initiative’s operations manager, Danny Nunes, all the incidents were addressed quickly and professionally.
About 500 to 1 000 people visited the area, particularly along 7th Street, enjoying restaurants, nightlife, and the festive atmosphere. While the area was slightly quieter than some previous New Year’s Eve celebrations, the visible security presence played a key role in maintaining order and reassurance.
Nunes explained that MSI and Beagle Watch deployed four guards, six armed response officers, and a shift coordinator, supported by strategically placed static guards and roaming rapid response teams.
Goni Security and the Melville Business Association added further support with four guards and a supervisor. Law enforcement assistance was immediate and effective, with valuable support from JMPD Region B42, as well as Brixton SAPS and auxiliary teams from the Community Policing Forum and JMPD.
Also read: SCP Security promises to lead with integrity for SCP Security
“Community safety is never about one organisation working alone,” said Nunes of MSI. “It’s about partnerships, planning, and being present before problems arise.
We aim to create a space where businesses can trade confidently, and people can enjoy Melville safely, and New Year’s Eve showed what’s possible when the community works together.”
Nunes described the operation as one that highlighted how collaboration and early intervention can create a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone, welcoming the new year in Melville.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
