Crime Latest: More cops deployed to fight crime in hot spots

The SAPS has beefed up its force in ‘hot spot’ crime areas in KwaZulu-Natal with more than 100 additional policemen deployed from the national office to fight serious and violent crime in the province.

Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, welcomed the steps taken by the province’s SAPS management, to clamp down on crime in hotspot areas, during his visit to the region on Wednesday.

The Plessislaer, Inanda and Umlazi policing precincts have each received  additional forces deployed to enhance the existing staff contingent. Additional police vehicles have also been transferred to the area to assist with crime combating operations.

The deployment was informed by the latest national crime statistics which indicate that Inanda, Plessislaer and Umlazi police stations have recorded high incidents of murder and other contact crimes as well as alarmingly high levels of gender based violence. 

Cele recieved a full report on the effectiveness of the added forces and in his address to local police officers, Cele urged them to ‘take no prisoners’ when fighting crime. 

“While you have been on the round a few days now, your impact is already been felt. Arrests have been made and most importantly crime is being prevented through your visible patrols. Remember that these communities rely on you to keep them safe, especially the women and children – don’t disappoint them,” Cele said.

The deployment of the officers to the selected areas commenced on 9 April and will continue indefinitely.

The officers will continue conducting vehicle and foot patrols, take part in vehicle check points and stop and searches. They will also embark on rigorous compliance inspections of liquor outlets and second hand dealers while tracking and tracing wanted suspects and effecting warrants of arrest.

Cele added that throughout their operations, officers must be guided by integrity.

“Ethical policing demands that all of you as members of the SAPS act with integrity and respect the rights of the people you serve and always act within the law. If you don’t do this not only will you be dealt with by SAPS internal processes but you will also face the full might of the law,” Cele said.