Florida Road fans applaud effort by road monitors
FLORIDA Road enthusiasts have applauded the great effort of the Florida UIP guards in fighting crime and keeping the popular Durban area safe.
The traffic buzz on Florida Road starts in the early morning when the sidewalk cafés open their doors, with most only closing in the wee hours.
There have been several incidents of car-jackings and smash-and-grab cases reported in the area.
To keep its reputation as one of Durban’s top spots, Florida UIP and a private security company formed a partnership to stop crime from escalating in the precinct.
Recently road monitor Eric Maphumulo and Enforce armed reaction officer Richard Mbatha were notified of a man, suspected of being involved in a pick-pocketing incident a few nights earlier, walking along Florida Road.
Both officers responded and apprehend the suspect, who was then positively identified by the victim. Police were contacted and the suspect was arrested.
The road monitors use twoway radios to notify each other about any suspicious activity, as well as parking availability. They also monitor surrounding roads for other by-law infringements.
Leon van Schalkwyk said he spent most of his weekends on Florida Road.
“We really appreciate the effort, it makes us feel safe. The monitors also help a lot to direct cars to available parking spots. It can be very confusing to find parking here when it’s busy,” he said.
Residents also applauded the initiative.
Daniel Dladla of Montpelier Road said the traffic at Florida Road at peak hours needed extra monitoring apart from the metro police.
“They work hand in hand with the police. This is one of the best places for visitors and residents to come and we need our tourists to enjoy the Durban experience without any fear. We are really happy about this initiative.”
Road monitor Sabelo Nzuza said being part of the project also contributed to their lives. Previously they would monitor the traffic voluntarily and survived only on tips.
“But now they earn a fixed wage and they have the required equipment and uniform to do the job. He said they had noticed the difference their presence had made since they had embarked on the project.
“Last month there was an attempted hijacking on the corner of 10th Avenue and Montpelier Road. When the suspects attempted to overpower an individual returning to his vehicle, my colleagues ran to the scene, disturbing the suspects,” he said.