To address the ecalating gang-related crimes in Eldorado Park in Soweto, Joburg mayor, MMC for Public Safety and JMPD conducted a crime prevention operation in the township yesterday. The operation, known as "Operation Vaporize #ManjeNamhlanje is aimed at addressing escalating drug and gang-related crimes

Led by Mayor Dada Morero and MMC Mgcini Tshwaku, the operation was conducted in collaboration with private security firms and local patrollers.

KIDS AS YOUNG AS 12 CARRY GUNS TO SCHOOL

According to Tshwaku, law enforcement officials targeted known hotspots of criminal activities and conducted thorough searches of the premises, vehicles and individuals. Tshwaku said criminals will find no hiding place within the communities. "We are intensifying our door-to-door operations and roadblocks, and will diligently tackle these high-crime areas that continue to terrorise our communities" said Tshwaku.

The MMC further reiterated that connecting with communities in areas identified as crime hotspots, enhancing resources, increasing visibility and working together with the Eldorado Park community is the only way they can win the war. "We have heard the cries and concerns expressed by the community - from gang-related activities to incidents of children as young as 12 bringing firearms and dealing in drugs at school. We believe this can only be dealt with proactively, as a collective. Our success is also dependent on the community's involvement and their willingness to help in the identification of those culprits responsible for the rampant crime in the area, and we therefore urge the community to come forward and assist in bringing perpetrators to justice," he added. Tshwaku declared that criminals will find no hiding places as we approach December, a month often linked to a rise in criminal behaviour. "There will be an intensification of door-to-door operations and block raids" he added. Three men and two women were arrested after being found in possession of drugs and firearms

GUN VIOLENCE

Last month, two learners were shot and injured at Willow Crescent Secondary School when two armed men entered the school premises and opened fire. On the same day, in a separate incident, learners were stabbed at Lancea Vale Secondary and Silver Oaks Secondary, respectively. At the time, community leader and ActionSA Parliamentarian, Dereleen James, said every second child in Eldorado Park had a gun. James said despite heavy police visibility in the township, the shooting continued.