In a concerted effort to prevent crime and foster a safer environment within Phoenix, local organisations have significantly strengthened their ties with local authorities, all with the singular goal of ensuring community safety.
Val Pillay, chairperson of the Phoenix Community Police Forum (CPF) Sector 2, highlighted the effective coordination with the Durban Metro Police in combating crime. “The key areas of collaboration include joint patrols and visibility,” Pillay stated. “CPF members often collaborate with Metro Police and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on high-visibility patrols, particularly in crime hotspots. These help deter crimes like burglary, carjacking, and drug activity.”
Pillay further explained the role of community intelligence sharing, noting that “the CPF acts as a bridge between the community and police. We collect and relay important community-based intelligence (e.g., about suspicious behaviour, known offenders, drug dens) to Metro Police, enabling more targeted interventions.”
Beyond patrols and intelligence, their collaboration extends to crime prevention campaigns. “Joint awareness campaigns are run in schools and public areas on topics like gender-based violence, substance abuse, and domestic violence, with CPF and Metro Police working together,” Pillay said. She also mentioned their involvement in search and rescues, rapid response, and crisis management. “In areas like Phoenix, CPF members help mobilise community watch groups during crime surges or unrest, coordinating with Metro Police for support, often via all mediums including social media and WhatsApp groups.”
Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP Protection Services, reaffirmed their commitment: “KZN VIP continues to work closely with local law enforcement agencies, actively supporting operations as force multipliers in various areas. We remain committed to encouraging and participating in crime prevention initiatives, recognising their crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”
Last Wednesday, 23 July, the eThekwini Municipality’s Security and Emergency Committee convened and commended the Durban Metro Police for their proactive strategies and increased visibility. eThekwini Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Committee, Councillor Zandile Myeni, remarked: “The exceptional work by the Metro Police Directorate needs to be applauded. Their crime prevention strategies have yielded positive results during the period under review. This includes the recent deployment of high-powered vehicles to respond to criminal activities on the highway as well as for use by the Rapid Response and Operational Response Divisions of the Metro Police.”
Councillor Myeni did, however, raise concerns regarding scrapyards, identifying them as a contributing factor to crime due to the buying and selling of stolen items.
