Police residence arrests
MORE than 100 people, including police officers, were arrested following a sting at the police living quarters at the Durban Central police station on Friday morning.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said in total 115 people were arrested, some of them police officers who should not be in those buildings.
“All the arrested suspects were charged for trespassing and given a fine.
“A further two dockets of corruption were opened after police established that some people were renting out rooms in these buildings to other occupants,” he said.
Naicker said the illegal occupation or hijacking of buildings had become common.
“This disturbing trend has resulted in many buildings being occupied without basic necessities such as water, lights or proper sanitation.
“Over and above that, these hijacked buildings become a hub for criminal activity.
“The SAPS assisted by other relevant role players are charged with the responsibility of making sure that these buildings, which have become a haven for criminals, are dealt with effectively and that the perpetrators are brought to book,” Naicker explained.
He said it had become apparent over some time that residences built to house police officials had been illegally accommodating people who did not work for the SAPS.
The KZN Acting Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, said over time the buildings had become dilapidated and were not fit for human habitation.
“The fact that people are on our police premises illegally also poses a risk to the police officers who work from these places,” he said.