LA ROCHELLE – In June, Ward 57 Councillor Faeeza Chame and Member of Parliament for Johannesburg South, Manny de Freitas, visited La Rochelle and met residents who explained the problems they are experiencing in the area.
“The community presented concerns such as loud music being played all hours of the day and night, illegal activities such as drug dealing, prostitution and public drinking,” explained Manny de Freitas. He added that most of these activities take place on Johannesburg Road.
De Freitas and Chame also took a walk so they could see the problems in the area. Following this, de Freitas liaised with the SAPS provincial structures as there are allegations of collusion between some local SAPS officials and criminals in the area.
De Freitas said that he had approached the provincial SAPS structures and explained the problems in the area. The SAPS undertook to initiate anti-crime operations without getting the local SAPS structures involved.
He explained that he followed up with the SAPS. “The SAPS have reported that two anti-crime operations took place in September. These proved to be successful as, for example, marijuana was confiscated and arrests were made. The SAPS advise me that they are planning future operations until at least until December,” explained De Freitas.
“In the meantime, residents are requested to take note of any illegal activities that they may witness perpetrated by any SAPS officers. Also residents should take notes including dates and times and, if possible, photographic proof of any misdemeanours would be helpful,” he requested.
