The City of Cape Town conducted a massive operation in Marikana informal settlement and surrounds yesterday involving hundreds of law enforcement officials .
In a bid to stamp out crime in the area, more than 750 officers from Metro Police, Law Enforcement, Traffic, LEAP, SAPS,. K-9 and mounted units were joined by Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis.
“I have spoken to residents who fear the daily walk to bus or taxi stops, and who are asked to pay protection money by extortion gangs just to live in their own homes. So we are upping the ante in Crossroads with a truly massive LEAP and law enforcement presence,’ he added.
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The high visibility crime prevention operations were preceded by a clean-up operation in the area on Tuesday where more than 1 000 bags of litter were removed.
Apart from increased visibility, City enforcement staff in conjunction with SAPS and other relevant role players are also conducting compliance inspections at liquor premises and scrapyards in the area.
“In the past such operations would have consisted only of uniformed members but today’s operation sees the participation of our investigative and crime information services to ensure that we are engaging in smarter and more information driven policing,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
“’Residents are reminded that the City has a dedicated tip-off line where information can be relayed 24-hours a day. If the information leads to a successful arrest, or the recovery of stolen property or contraband, the person can receive a reward. They can also remain anonymous. That number is 0800 110077.”
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Photo: City of Cape Town