In a major pre-festive season operation, police in eThekwini arrested 15 undocumented foreign nationals and removed over 100 homeless individuals from the Durban CBD.
The early morning raid, which took place on Monday, focused on the Albert Park area, known for crimes such as theft, smash-and-grab incidents, and robberies.
“This area has become a hotspot for various criminal activities,” said the police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
“We are committed to ensuring that the public feels safe as the festive season approaches.”
During the operation, law enforcement demolished informal structures built under the M4 Highway bridge, where many homeless people had been living. According to police, syringes with blood were found at the site, raising concerns about drug use.
“Some individuals were found suffering from medical conditions, including open wounds,” added Colonel Netshiunda. “EMS personnel treated those in need of medical care on-site.”
The process of verifying the identities of the homeless individuals is ongoing. “So far, two people have been positively linked to crimes through their fingerprints,” said Netshiunda. “One of them had been on the wanted list since 2001, and further investigations are under way.”
The undocumented foreign nationals will appear in court once verification processes are complete. Authorities emphasised that the operation was part of a broader effort to increase public safety ahead of the festive season.
"We are taking a firm stance against crime in eThekwini," added Netshiunda.
The Mercury