COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT KEY TO COMBATING CRIME IN NELSON MANDELA BAY
Published: September 26, 2024
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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Acting Executive Head for Metro, Brigadier Trevor
Smith has commended the partnership between NMBM residents and the Metro
Police following the arrest of two men caught red-handed damaging municipal
infrastructure in the wee hours of Monday, 23 September 2024.
This comes after residents reported the incident at Stanford Road, Old Windvogel
Terminus.
The first report was made around 8:30 pm on Sunday, 22 September
2024, however, upon Metro Police officers’ arrival, the suspects were not found
although new trenches were visible in the area.
"Our officer patrolled the Windvogel area when they did not find them at the said
location and met with a group of concerned residents who expressed worry about
the culprits digging for electric cables, as their children are preparing for final matric
exams and cannot afford to have the electricity disrupted. It was after receiving
another call from a community member at 00:10 via Control Room that our members promptly responded and apprehended two suspects found digging in the area with a
shovel and pick.”
"The suspects were clearly identified by community members as the individuals
responsible for the digging. Two male suspects were arrested and detained at
Gelvandale SAPS on charges related to damage to municipal infrastructure. We
applaud the combined efforts of the community and the Metro Police officers in
ensuring the safety of Municipal assets and the apprehension of the suspects.”
These arrests also come as the Metro continues to increase visibility in crime
hotspots around the Metro through its weekly crime blitz and Mayoral walkabouts
that are not only focused on crime but other service delivery-related challenges that
face Nelson Mandela Bay communities.
I urge all communities and residents to continue to collaborate and work with law
enforcement agencies to report any incidents of crime on NMBM Metro Police
control room on 0415085501/Security Services control centre on 041 506 5500, said
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Gary Van Niekerk during a
service delivery blitz in Helenvale, yesterday 25 September 2024.
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