/ 24 October 2006

Hillbrow crime blitz nets dozens of offenders

Twenty-seven people were arrested for various crimes in Hillbrow during a crime-busting operation in the area, police said on Tuesday.

Among those arrested were four men caught trying to break into vehicles on Monday night, said spokesperson Inspector Kriban Naidoo.

”Some people were also arrested for loitering, possession of illegal firearms and armed robberies,” he said.

”This was done in a bid to clean out the streets of Hillbrow, especially the loitering incidents as we get so many people selling drugs to passing motorists.”

Naidoo said a woman was also arrested for alleged child neglect.

”The area is not safe, and to see young children walking the streets is very disturbing. We receive a lot of reports concerning children and we want to send a strong warning to parents to be responsible.”

Those arrested were expected to appear in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. — Sapa