News / Africa
Operation Duty Calls cleans up Hillbrow
04 Nov 2010 at 05:48hrs | Views
Thousands of police officers are on the streets of Gauteng for the launch of a national operation dubbed Duty Calls.
Officials are taking back hijacked buildings and so-called no-go zones, including Joubert Park in the Johannesburg CBD, where a police base has been set up.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the operation has been well thought out.
Hundreds of Hillbrow residents have been forced out of a building in Prospect Street, as police officers and Home Affairs officials checked for legal documents.
It forms part of Operation Duty Calls, which aims to make the country's streets safer over the festive season.
Together with Home Affairs, officers are now checking residents for illegal identity documents and outstanding warrants of arrest.
A police van filled with residents has left the scene and officers have formed a cordon around the area.
"The escalation of crime makes us think thoroughly in planning and reclaiming the streets," said Mthethwa.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Mzwandile Petros said the visibility that comes with the launch will continue.
"In Gauteng we have identified four spots that need concentration including Tembisa, Hillbrow and Sunnyside," said Petros.
National police commissioner Bheki Cele said operation Duty Calls is extensive.
"In Gauteng alone during this operation we have more than 2000 police."
PARAMEDICS FIND CRITICALLY ILL BABY
Meanwhile, the father of a baby whose mother died in Hillbrow earlier this week said he is desperate for help. Baby Nophiwe, a nine-month-old infant who was born prematurely, has respiratory problems and suffers from deformed hands and feet.
The baby's mother died two nights ago after complaining about chest pains. The infant was put on oxygen and taken to hospital after officials discovered her in one of the buildings police raided.
Her father said he is overcome by the financial burden of having to bury his wife but is grateful for the kindness paramedics have shown him.
Meanwhile, police officers have arrested close on 50 suspects during raids in Hillbrow.
Officials are taking back hijacked buildings and so-called no-go zones, including Joubert Park in the Johannesburg CBD, where a police base has been set up.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the operation has been well thought out.
Hundreds of Hillbrow residents have been forced out of a building in Prospect Street, as police officers and Home Affairs officials checked for legal documents.
It forms part of Operation Duty Calls, which aims to make the country's streets safer over the festive season.
Together with Home Affairs, officers are now checking residents for illegal identity documents and outstanding warrants of arrest.
A police van filled with residents has left the scene and officers have formed a cordon around the area.
"The escalation of crime makes us think thoroughly in planning and reclaiming the streets," said Mthethwa.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Mzwandile Petros said the visibility that comes with the launch will continue.
"In Gauteng we have identified four spots that need concentration including Tembisa, Hillbrow and Sunnyside," said Petros.
National police commissioner Bheki Cele said operation Duty Calls is extensive.
"In Gauteng alone during this operation we have more than 2000 police."
PARAMEDICS FIND CRITICALLY ILL BABY
Meanwhile, the father of a baby whose mother died in Hillbrow earlier this week said he is desperate for help. Baby Nophiwe, a nine-month-old infant who was born prematurely, has respiratory problems and suffers from deformed hands and feet.
The baby's mother died two nights ago after complaining about chest pains. The infant was put on oxygen and taken to hospital after officials discovered her in one of the buildings police raided.
Her father said he is overcome by the financial burden of having to bury his wife but is grateful for the kindness paramedics have shown him.
Meanwhile, police officers have arrested close on 50 suspects during raids in Hillbrow.
Source - Eye Witness
