EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, officiated at the passing out parade for 567 Durban Metro Police officers, as part of the strategy to fight crime in the City during the festive period and beyond. #eThekwiniMunicipality #AtYourService

In a high impact operation, Durban Metro Police and various stakeholders raided a Big 5 Supermarket on Beatrice Street, uncovering a trove of expired food items and a concealed stash of illegal cigarettes. The raid, aimed at protecting public health and combating illicit trade, resulted in the confiscation of the expired goods and contraband cigarettes, along with substantial fines issued to the store's management for violating health and trade regulations. Authorities revealed that the supermarket had been under investigation following reports of selling unfit products and engaging in illegal activities. The confiscated goods have been removed for safe disposal, and further legal action is expected against those responsible. Metro Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help maintain safety and compliance in the city. For more infornation contact Metro Police Spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu on 031 322-3940 or email Victor.Zungu@durban.gov.za ENDS Issued by Durban Metro Police Service Communications Unit.

Our vigilant officers have successfully arrested a suspect found in possession of alleged stolen property during a routine patrol operation. This arrest underscores our commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety across the city. The suspect faces multiple pending charges, including: ●Unlawful possession and use of a police siren. ●Installation of security lamps without proper authorization. ●Illegal tinting of both front and rear windscreens, compromising visibility and road safety. ●Unauthorized tinting of headlamps, which poses a hazard to other road users. Our Police Spokesperson, Colonel Boysie Zungu, stated that tampering with vehicles, particularly those imitating official or emergency vehicles, is a grave offence and will not be tolerated. "The illegal use of police blue lights and unauthorized vehicle modifications not only endangers the public but also undermines the integrity of law enforcement," he said. Commissioner Mchunu, Head of the Unit, has placed a strong emphasis on cracking down on these illegal activities. His directive highlights the importance of preventing misuse of equipment that creates confusion or jeopardizes road safety. DMPS commends our officers for their diligence and assures the public that we will continue to act decisively against offenders.

Yesterday, in the Ntuzuma area, Durban Metro Police Service , alongside other relevant departments, conducted a crime prevention operation focusing on business compliance and illegal immigration. Key Highlights: Business Compliance: 12 tuck shops were inspected. ● 25 bags of expired goods, including cakes and chips, were impounded and sent to the Metro Police Hawker Pound for proper disposal. ● Illegal cosmetic products were also confiscated for disposal. Arrests: A total of 14 arrests were made, focusing on individuals in violation of immigration laws. Details: ● Individuals from Ethiopia: 12 ●Individual from Mozambique: 2 The suspects have been handed over to South African Police Service for further processing. DMPS remains committed to maintaining compliance and ensuring the safety of our EThekwini Municipality community.

Joint Operation in Pinetown area with SAPS Durban Metro Police, in partnership with SAPS, conducted a successful joint operation in the Pinetown area today. This initiative targeted: Illicit goods: Items sold without proper documentation or permits. Expired goods: Unsafe products are no longer fit for consumption. Health compliance: Ensuring businesses meet required health and safety standards. Key Findings: Several violations were uncovered, including expired consumables and goods being sold without valid permits. Non-compliant items were confiscated, and warnings or fines were issued to offending businesses. Actions Taken: Illicit and expired goods were removed. Businesses failing to meet health standards were given notices or shutdowns for public safety. This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration between DMPS and SAPS to maintain law and order. We urge all businesses to comply with regulations to avoid enforcement actions.

Another impactful operation! Alongside SAPS Pinetown, Durban Metro Police Service joined forces with other EThekwini Municipality departments in the Nazareth area to crack down on unsafe practices in spaza shops. Tons of expired items, including food, nappies, fizzy drinks, and baby food, were confiscated, recorded, and responsibly discarded. Store owners were charged by the Health Department and Metro Police, highlighting the importance of collaboration to protect public health and safety.

Durban Metro Police Service CHARGES 24 MOTORISTS FOR VARIOUS TRAFFIC VIOLATION DURING ROADBLOCK A total of 24 motorists have been charged for various traffic violations during Metro Police roadblock on uMngeni, Point, and Russel Street, Durban. The charges vary from drinking and driving, vehicle unroadworthiness, warrants, and failure to produce drivers license. One minibus taxi was apprehended on uMngeni Road approaching Springfield as he attempted to flee from law enforcement. Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boyise Zungu confirmed the charges, and said all accused will be processed by law enforcement authorities, with paid and unpaid warrants peaking at R111 600 - an overwhelming R58 million overall debt to the City. “Our Task Team further conducted house calls, a new strategy developed by the Metro Police to collect long outstanding fines at suspect's residents.” “2 suspects were initially arrested during the house call operation with fines totaling R96 000,” said Zungu. Zungu said these operations will be ongoing throughout the city as the municipality gears up for the highly anticipated festive season. “We have strengthened and intensified our stakeholder relations, approach, and operations. These have produced favorable results for us as the City and our stakeholders,” said Zungu. More road traffic inspections will be conducted at hotspot areas, and townships will not be exempted

🚨 Traffic Alert: Vehicle on fire at Tollgate Bridge, South Ridge Rd. Expect delays; please consider alternative routes. Updates to follow.

Success Report: Arrest and Recovery On Tuesday, 12 November 2024, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted after receiving information about a planned carjacking in the Newlands West area. The suspects were reportedly linked to multiple robberies on Dumisani Makhaye Highway and carjackings targeting e-hailing vehicles in Durban CBD. Following the source’s guidance, the operational team proceeded to Inanda Road near VN Naik School for the Deaf, where suspects were identified and apprehended. During the search, officers recovered an illegal silver and black pistol with a filed-off serial number, a magazine, and two rounds of ammunition. The firearm was logged as evidence at Newlands East SAPS. Units Involved: EITT Ethekwini District Trio Crimes A and B Crime Intelligence Station: Newlands East Charges: Possession of an unlicensed firearm Possession of ammunition Thank you to the Commander and all involved in this successful operation!

KZN ON HIGH ALERT: SEVERE WEATHER WARNING The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe weather in KwaZulu-Natal, effective Sunday, November 10, from 15:00 to 23:00. A powerful storm system is expected to bring torrential rains, damaging winds, and intense lightning to many areas. AREAS IMPACTED: Durban (CBD, Berea, Chatsworth, Pinetown, Queensburgh, Umlazi, and more), Pietermaritzburg (CBD, Hayfields, Scottsville, and more), Port Shepstone, Richards Bay, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Kokstad, Underberg, Harding, and surrounding regions. ⚡EXPECTED IMPACTS: ● Winds up to 100 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h ● Severe lightning, with potential power outages ● Heavy downpours, up to 40mm or more, with flash flooding ● Large hail, posing a threat to vehicles, crops, and structures 🛑 PLEASE STAY ALERT & SAFE Durban Metro Police Service and disaster teams are on standby, ready to assist. Let’s prioritize safety and look out for one another.

🚨 Traffic Alert: Road Closure on Adelaide Tambo Drive 🚨​​ ​​A cyclist has passed away after suffering a medical emergency while riding on Adelaide Tambo Drive. ​​The road is currently closed to allow emergency services to manage the scene.​​ ​​Motorists and pedestrians are advised to use alternative routes.

Kidnapping and Extortion On September 30, 2024, a 46-year-old Chinese national woman was kidnapped from her bottle store in Kokstad. The kidnappers, a syndicate operating between Durban and Port Shepstone, held the victim hostage and initially demanded a ransom of 15 million rand. Following intense negotiations, the ransom was reduced to R305,000, which the victim’s family paid into a designated bank account. However, after receiving the ransom, the kidnappers refused to release the victim and demanded an additional 1.2 million rand. When negotiations reached a deadlock, a decision was made to initiate a rescue operation to safely retrieve the victim. A multidisciplinary task force was swiftly formed, comprising Durban Metro Police’s Drug Team, Counter Narcotics units, and additional specialized law enforcement teams. Following leads and video surveillance, the team was able to identify and apprehend multiple suspects. Operation Summary Two Female Suspects: These suspects were captured on video withdrawing the ransom from a bank in Durban CBD. One of the females was apprehended as she attempted to flee to another province. Two Male Suspects (One South African, One Zimbabwean): Arrested in Pinetown’s Paradise Valley area, these suspects were involved in coordinating the syndicate's operations. The Zimbabwean national played a key role in communications, using a Malawian cell number to contact the victim’s family. Three Kingpins: Located and arrested in Port Shepstone, these individuals were identified as the main organizers of the kidnapping. They directed the ransom negotiations and oversaw the logistics of the operation. One Guard: Apprehended in an informal settlement in Port Shepstone, this suspect was responsible for guarding the victim, who was found disoriented but physically unharmed in a shack. She was immediately taken to a hospital in Port Shepstone for medical evaluation. Through continuous operations from November 4 to 8, the task force successfully arrested a total of eight suspects, recovered valuable exhibits (including cell phones and vehicles used in the crime), and rescued the victim. Court Details One suspect appeared in Kokstad court today and was remanded into custody until November 22, 2024, for a bail hearing. The remaining suspects will appear in court on November 11, 2024, allowing for further investigations and efforts to apprehend additional syndicate members. Units Involved: Durban Metro Police Service Drug Team Durban Metro Police Trio Crimes Port Shepstone SOCI Counter Narcotics KZN Special Task Force CI Technical Surveillance The Durban Metro Police remain dedicated to safeguarding our community and ensuring justice is served.

Traffic Alert: N3 Westbound Closure at Cliffdale Please be advised that the N3 westbound near Cliffdale remains closed following a multi-vehicle accident earlier this morning. Emergency services are on-site managing the situation. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes and anticipate delays. For your safety and convenience, consider utilizing the R103 as an alternate route.

🚨 Active Accident🚨 Location: N3 Westbound, near Cato Ridge Incident: Truck Crash Impact: Heavy queues are building up in the area. Alternative Routes: Please consider using alternative routes if possible to avoid delays. Our team is monitoring the situation closely.

🚨 Trio Crimes C Operation Success 🚨 An intelligence-driven operation by Durban Metro Police Service Trio Crime unit with South African Police Service Crime Intelligence targeted a suspect wanted for multiple serious crimes, including murder, CIT, and extortion. The operation led to a confrontation on the N2 near Scottburgh, where the suspect opened fire. Metro Police and CI members returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. Seized Items: ■ 9mm pistol (serial filed off) ■ 1 magazine, 2 rounds ■ 15 heroin capsules ■ 35 mandrax tablets ■ 1 motor vehicle The suspect was linked to multiple cases across the region, highlighting a major breakthrough in Trio Crimes.

🚨 Joint Operation Alert: Durban Metro Police Service & SAPS Units 🚨 In a coordinated operation, the DMPS Public Order Policing Unit, alongside SAPS units including the National Intervention Unit and SAPS POP, targeted illegal activities on Bertha Mkhize Street. This operation focused on tackling counterfeit operations in the area, working to protect consumers and businesses alike. These collaborative efforts reinforce our commitment to maintaining a safe, lawful environment for all in Durban. Thank you to the community for your support as we strive to keep our city safe. #DMPS #SAPS

🚨 Traffic Alert: Active Taxi Protest 🚨 A taxi protest is currently underway in Durban CBD, with taxis moving slowly and causing significant traffic delays. Avoid the area if possible to prevent being stuck in congestion. Authorities are monitoring the situation. #TaxiProtest

DMPS Tactical Support Unit, alongside multiple law enforcement agencies, executed a successful operation in Greyville on 28/10/2024. Two suspects were arrested for running an illegal immigration syndicate, forging passports & IDs. Computers and Home Affairs docs were seized.