Bridge shacks demolished as crime deterrent
An operation between Montclair SAP and Security Management Unit's Land Invasion Control led to the demolition of about 20 shacks under the Huletts South Coast Road bridge on Friday, 18 October.
Montclair SAP’s Capt Stanley Perumal said: “The reason we planned the operation is because there has been a drastic increase in crime in South Coast Road, especially around Hullet’s bridge. Last month there were more than 30 incidents reported. They varied from common and armed robbery on individuals walking on the bridge and people seated in their cars and incidents reported by businesses.”
“Criminals are using the bridge as a hide out. They are robbing people on the bridge and run into the settlement. Some of them are residents and others use it as a thoroughfare. There is also a lot of drugs in the camp. Dagga, ecstasy and rock cocaine is being sold and used underneath the bridge. On the last visit there was a small number of shacks, but they have now doubled.”
Two arrests were made after the recovery of a large quantity of dagga in one of the shacks. Police expect crimes committed on the bridge to stop. The bridge will also be monitored to ensure the shacks are not rebuilt.
– mbalim@dbn.caxton.co.za
