A TOTAL of 30 of the 500 new metro police recruits have been deployed to work at the annual satellite police station at Ansteys Beach on The Bluff.

Ward 66 councillor Zoë Solomon said the pass out parade that took place last week had greatly bolstered the holiday season law enforcement capacity.

Also read: Calls for metro police to strengthen law enforcement on The Bluff

“These newly deployed officers are on the ground, patrolling officers. At the end of our festive season Clairwood Satellite Office should receive 20 of these officers. Besides these new recruits, Metro Clairwood has received four new vehicles. These vehicles will service five precincts and 14 suburbs. We welcome these new recruits,” said Solomon.

Last month, a group of residents held a meeting staged at Ansteys Beach demanding that the metro police address the lawlessness at the beach.

The meeting stems from complaints raised by residents about people harassing them at the beach.

Members of the Bluff Ratepayers and Residents’ Association (BRRA) organised the meeting. Its chairperson, Norman Gilbert, said residents demanded that the metro police act swiftly in apprehending those disobeying the bylaws at the beach.

Also read: City allocates R1m for refurbishment of Brighton Beach promenade

Sixteen people charged for drinking in public

According to a statement released by metro police, 16 people were charged for drinking in public at Ansteys Beach over the weekend.

“Our officers are out in full force this festive season, ensuring the safety and compliance of all visitors, especially at our beaches. Every vehicle entering our beach area is being searched for alcohol, as drinking in public is strictly prohibited under eThekwini Municipal bylaws.

“We urge all residents and visitors to respect the rules and enjoy the beach responsibly. Failure to comply will result in strict law enforcement,” said metro police in a statement.

During the launch of this year’s festive season management plan eThekwini mayor, Cyril Xaba, said the metro police were working with various law enforcement agencies to maintain high visibility at all tourism sites and areas that had been identified as crime hotspots.

Road safety is a key component to ensuring a peaceful and joyful holiday season

“Our law enforcement officers will clamp down on drinking and driving as well as reckless behaviour on roads. Law enforcement operations, including multidisciplinary roadblocks, will be conducted throughout the City to combat all forms of criminality. To control traffic on the beach, certain roads leading to the beachfront will be access controlled. The park-and-ride facility will be available at no cost every 30 minutes throughout the festive season,” said Xaba.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.