Operation Khuculula sweeps through crime hotspot

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli spearheaded a major operation at the notorious Albert Park/Maydon Wharf intersection in Durban, as part of an initiative aimed at dismantling illegal activities in the area.

The operation on Monday, October 14, named Khuculula, specifically targeted drug-related crimes and unlawful operations carried out by both foreign nationals and South Africans.

The joint operation was supported by the Office of the Premier, Correctional Services, Metro Police, and the Department of Community Safety and Liaison.

As part of the crackdown, police demolished shacks that had been erected under the M4 Highway bridge, which had become havens for illegal activities. Among those found in the area, several individuals were suffering from medical conditions, including open wounds. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel treated the sick on-site, where bloodied syringes were also discovered.

During the early morning raid, 15 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested, and over 100 homeless people were taken into custody for assistance.

This pre-festive season safety operation, led by the eThekwini District police, forms part of a broader effort to clean up crime hotspots in the city. Albert Park, a known area for drug use, theft, smash-and-grab incidents, and robberies, has long been under scrutiny for its criminal activity.

SAPS spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the on-going verification process has thus far linked two individuals to criminal activities through their fingerprints.

“One of these suspects has been on the wanted list since 2001, and investigations are continuing to determine his connection to other crimes. Both the foreign nationals and local drug operators arrested during the operation will be brought before the court after the verification process is completed,” he said.