Anti-crime march fails to stop violence

Buildings searched in Central ‘lockdown’

PHASE two of a national crime combating operation launched in Port Elizabeth last week led to the arrest of 14 suspected illegal immigrants in Central on Friday night.

Operation Fiela-Reclaim includes various state entities such as the police, army, Home Affairs, provincial and local traffic departments as well as the SA Revenue Service.

The operation has come under the spotlight, with human rights activists across the country accusing the government of using apartheid-style tactics to target immigrants under the pretence of a nationwide crime operation.

The government and police have, however, defended the operation, saying it aims to clamp down on criminal activity including illegal weapons, drug dens and prostitution rings.

Spokeswoman Colonel Sibongile Soci said the second phase on Friday saw hundreds of officials “lock down” Central by placing barriers across roads to prevent vehicles going in and out.

Heavily armed military personnel combed the streets with police, ensuring no one attempted to flee while the operation was under way.

“The fire department and department of human settlements were also part of the operation,” she said.

“Thirty buildings were inspected and two notices were served as the buildings were unsafe, [while] three houses were closed where electricity had been tampered with.

“One nightclub was closed for operating with an expired licence and fines to the value of R2 400 were issued for overcrowding.”

“Provincial and metro traffic officials issued four sum- monses to the value of R15 400 for various crimes.”

She said 1 340 people and 72 vehicles were stopped and searched. Officials also raided 68 Central premises.

“Three suspects were arrested for possession of dagga and for hijacking a motor vehicle.

Soci confirmed that the operation would continue across the province.

Police said that 800 immigrants without documents and criminals had been arrested countrywide since the beginning of the month.

The first phase of the Port Elizabeth operation was launched on Thursday in Korsten and led to the entire Durban Road being blocked off by heavily armed soldiers.

On Thursday 75 suspected illegal immigrants were arrested.

Last week Refugee Rights Centre director Linton Harmse said the organisation was investigating the arrest of 92 foreigners in East London.