Woodstock police say they are determined to make the area drug-free following a recent joint police operation executed at two derelict buildings in the area.
The buildings owned by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) are situated on Strand Street.
On Saturday 4 March, police confiscated 144 units of unga (heroin).
During another raid on Sunday 12 March, 19 packets of tik and four Mandrax tablets were seized.
Col Delven Matroos, Woodstock Police Station commander, says two suspects were arrested for dealing in and possession of drugs.
According to Matroos, regular operations will be executed in the area to mitigate the challenges.
He says: “Since our integrated operation crime in that area has been stabilised. There will be weekly integrated operations with our partners in hotspot streets. Our informer network, waylay duties, high visibility patrols and tracing operations will continue.”
The operations have renewed calls for the buildings to be demolished or sold.
Gary Adams, U-Watch chair, says the buildings are occupied by “undocumented foreign nationals”.
“There are a lot of foreign nationals living in these buildings. We have said for years now that this building, along with other areas owned by Prasa has been a hive of illegal activity. No responsibility is taken by Prasa.”
He says as a result there has been a spike in crime in the area. “Crime has escalated along the entire strip of Masacani. At night they wander through the streets. We have seen an increase in petty crimes like overhead electrical wires being stolen or cut. Daily we get calls from residents, then we have to contact the city to reinstate the overhead powerlines.”
Adams called on the relevant authorities to act.
“We are calling for a joint operation and that the immigration department comes to the party. Prasa and Transnet need to be more inclusive and either sell the buildings or put security guards there. They should work with the safety structures in the precinct.”
Zinobulani Mihi, the spokesperson for Prasa, says their asset protection services will give this matter their “urgent and priority attention” in ensuring that the area is cleared and monitored regularly.
“The Woodstock area is part of the Western Cape region’s strategic property development drive under our property division, Prasa Cres, and has been advertised through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. To date, evaluations have been finalised and we are in the process of awarding a contract.”
She adds: “The estimated time of award is expected to be approximately three months from now. The objective of the request for proposals (RFP) to have the area developed will include the demolition of these buildings.”
According to Mihi, Prasa’s facilities department is “putting plans in place” to clean the area.
