A COORDINATED, multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation in Wentworth has resulted in multiple arrests, fines and compliance actions across identified crime hotspots in Wentworth and nearby Merebank on April 17.

The police joint initiative called Operation Buyisa (Reclaim) brought together a wide range of agencies from across the City, including metro police units such as K9 and Public Order Policing (POP).

Additional support came from disaster management, the fire department, Department of Home Affairs, KZN Community Safety and Liaison, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), Business Licensing officials and the Brighton Beach police.

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Station commander for Wentworth police station, Colonel Sinayo Mtshali, said the operation reflected a unified effort to improve safety and rebuild trust within the community.

Operational commander, Lieutenant Colonel Pillay, coordinated the initiative, overseeing the deployment of teams to high-risk areas.

“Targeted raids were conducted at several locations, including Hime Street, Woodville Road, Croton Road, Silvertree and Eksteen flats. Police confirmed that these actions led to arrests for possession of drugs and stolen property,” said Pillay.

In a parallel traffic enforcement initiative, RTI officers set up a checkpoint at the Lansdowne Road taxi rank, where 89 vehicles were inspected.

Twenty-eight individuals arrested for violating the Immigration Act

“Six fines were issued for various violations and one vehicle was declared unroadworthy. The police also reported that 28 individuals were arrested under immigration laws for being in the country illegally. They have been placed in detention pending further processing by officials from the Department of Home Affairs,” said Pillay.

Fire safety compliance inspections formed part of the operation, with the Fire Department issuing fines for several violations.

These included a R5000 fine for failing to comply with regulations on the use or storage of LP gas, and additional fines of R1 500 each for failing to maintain fire hose and fire extinguishers.

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Police said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to address both crime and its underlying causes in the area.

“These operations send a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated. Law enforcement will continue to act decisively against those who break the law,” she said.

eThekwini Municipality responds

eThekwini Municipality said in a statement the operation targeted illegal activities, environmental violations and threats to public safety, reinforcing the City’s commitment to law enforcement and community well-being.

“During the operation, authorities discovered 18 undocumented foreign nationals working at a shoe factory in Wentworth. Seven additional individuals were taken into custody by the Department of Home Affairs for verification and further processing. The factory owner was charged for employing undocumented foreign nationals and the premises were subsequently closed,” said eThekwini.

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