Loads of booze confiscated in Plastic View raid

The raid takes place once every month in order to curb crime in the informal settlement.

April 12, 2019

Bennitt Bartl 2 minutes read

Large amounts of illegal alcohol were confiscated when various security companies, police and CPF members raided the Plastic View squatter camp early on Friday morning.

Although no arrests were made, authorities described the raid on the informal settlement in the east of Pretoria as “very successful”.

The raid, which started at 08:00, is part of a monthly effort to curb crime in the informal settlement.

“We were assisted from the air by the Protea Coin helicopter,” said Bull Security spokesperson French Jooste.

“Everyone worked well together and we managed to confiscate some drugs with the alcohol. The operation went very smoothly and was successful.”

Jooste said the operation also focused on finding house break-in instruments and tools used in other crimes.

Authorities entered and raided the informal settlement from both entrances, said Garsfontein Sector 4 CPF Moreletapark chairperson Deirdre van Helsdingen.

“We as the CPF are very glad to have worked with police on the raid,” said Van Helsdingen.

“By working together we can do a lot to prevent crime in the area. For myself, it was also an eye-opener to be inside Plastic View and to see what conditions the people there live in.”

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Van Helsdingen said she would be in contact with the SPCA to encourage them to perform similar operations in the area in future.

“During the raid I noticed many dogs which are severely neglected. Their ears were bleeding and filled with insects. I hope to involve the SPCA to help those dogs urgently.”

Stephen Wolmarans, of Brinant Security, said the operation also focused on cleaning up the area of any illegal substances.

“The operation was very calm and nothing noteworthy happened,” he said.

“We managed to recover large quantities of alcohol and a few marijuana plants. But our goal during these operations is to basically give support to the police to assist them in doing their job.”