City crackdown on problem buildings and drug outlets in Kewtown

Kewtown residents saw a major crime-prevention operation on Friday, September 19, as police, law enforcement, and the Kewtown Neighbourhood Watch joined forces to tackle drug activity, problem buildings, and illegal outlets in the area.

The operation followed requests from residents for stronger safety measures in their neighbourhood.

The City's mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, took part in the action and said community involvement is key to improving safety.

“When visiting the properties identified by the neighbourhood watch as either drug outlets or illegal liquor outlets, many of the homeowners vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Among the main concerns were the four problem properties where it was clear that the owners had allowed drug users and other criminal elements to move in,” Mr Smith said.

Vehicle checkpoints were set up across Kewtown, Gatesville, and along Klipfontein Road. These led to almost R70 000 in fines for offences such as unlicensed driving, ignoring stop streets, and using a cellphone while driving. Traffic Services also impounded one taxi.

Patrols in the Gatesville CBD found a number of violations, including illegal trading and public drunkenness. Officers also reported two people for using drugs in public.

The City’s Problem Buildings Unit inspected four properties identified by the community and issued three notices for code violations. In addition, ten properties linked to illegal liquor sales were checked, with abandoned liquor confiscated at one site.

Mr Smith thanked Kewtown Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Byron Davids and his team for their ongoing efforts, as well as ward councillor Rashid Adams, who recently provided equipment to neighbourhood watch groups.

“Our teams will also be keeping a close eye on the activities at the properties identified and will return on an ad hoc basis,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Adams commended the walkabout and said patrols send an important message to the community.

“Such operations are fundamental and most important. It is important for the community to see the value of neighbourhood watches and other law enforcement agencies. We are trying to encourage residents not to condone crime,” he said, adding that the delivery of equipment to the watch team would strengthen their patrols.