Crime crackdown targets Margate hotspots
Several men and women were stopped and searched, with some reportedly found in possession of drugs, knives or other sharp objects.
A crime crackdown has kicked off in Margate, with a newly formed community policing forum joining forces with police and security teams to target hotspots ahead of the festive season.
Volunteers from the newly formed Margate CBD Manaba Community Policing Forum (CPF), Saps, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Law Enforcement, Wolf and Maser Security and Community in Blue took part in a joint operation recently.
The team first targeted the derelict Desroches Hotel in the CBD, a notorious hotspot reportedly linked to drug dealing and other criminal activity.
The hotel opened in November 2014 as an upmarket 62-room establishment and conference centre, boasting luxury rooms, a rooftop SkyBar and a gym.
The once-stylish hotel closed its doors several years ago and today stands derelict on the Margate beachfront.
Stripped bare, with everything of value removed and sold as scrap, the building has become an eyesore and a thorn in the side of the CBD.
The corridors and rooms are littered with rubbish, filth and human waste, with the stench suffocating on a hot, humid day.
The property is notorious for housing vagrants, drug peddlers and drug users, adding to concerns about crime and safety in the area.
During the operation, police, law enforcement and security personnel entered the building and removed people found hiding or living inside.
Several men and women were stopped and searched, with some reportedly found in possession of drugs, knives or other sharp objects. Some individuals were charged.
The team also visited a fire-damaged house on Homestead Road, another property reportedly linked to drug-related activity.
Elzette Didloff, chairperson of the Margate CBD Manaba CPF, said the operation demonstrated the importance of visible, coordinated action in tackling crime.
We are very encouraged by the success of this operation and the strong show of force from everyone involved. By working together, we can address the problem areas in our town and make a positive difference in our community, she said.
The new CPF aims to strengthen visible patrols, address crime hotspots and help restore public confidence in Margate as a safe destination for residents and holidaymakers.
With the festive season approaching, the forum has called on the community to support its efforts to reclaim the towns streets and public spaces.
Donations are needed to fund patrols, security cameras and the running costs of the CPFs new office at 98 Marine Drive, Margate, which will be manned 24 hours a day.
The CPF is calling on residents and businesses to get involved, saying a united community is essential to making Margate a safer, more welcoming destination for families and visitors.
If you would like to get involved or donate, contact Elzette on 083-515-9585.
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