THE rise in petty crimes in Clairwood over the years has led residents to demand the establishment of a satellite police station that will operate 24/7. This call was made at a recent crime imbizo held in Clairwood where residents raised concerns about the growing crime rate.

Also read: eThekwini Municipality brings relief to Clairwood community

Chairperson of the Clairwood Community Police Forum, Demzey Gulabram, said that the area once had a satellite police station, but it became inactive due to a shortage of manpower.

“There is a pressing need for a satellite police station in Clairwood, as many residents, including the elderly, are unable to travel long distances to reach the Brighton Beach Police Station. Numerous crimes go unreported because accessing the nearest station is a struggle. We have to travel almost 5km to get to the police station, which is both time-consuming and costly due to transport fees.

“We had a satellite police station years ago, but it was closed down due to a lack of resources. At that time, the population was smaller. Now, with many more people living in the area, there is a greater need for a satellite police station,” said Gulabram.

The primary purpose of a satellite police station is to enhance community policing by providing a more accessible and local presence in the area that seems to be distant from the main police station.

“Police patrols in the areas are really scarce and this contributes to the increase of crime. We have seen a rise in theft of copper cables – all these incidents remain unreported because the community is reluctant to walk long distances to the Brighton Beach Police Station,” Gulabram added.

Brighton Beach police respond

Sergeant Sduduzo Makhaye from the Brighton Beach Police Station urged the public to report crime to the authorities.

“We urge the public to phone the police and report crime. It is the police’s responsibility to engage with the community and compile reports. Clairwood once had a satellite police station. We are aware that the community wants to have a satellite police station, and this proposal has been escalated at the provincial level,” said Makhaye.

The public is urged to use the station’s cell number

Call Brighton Beach police station on 079 696 3650.

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