Yeoville CPF chairperson Joseph Dube is pleased with the JMPD’s new Integrated Intelligent Operation Centre (IOC) Reaction Unit.

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CCTV cameras have been placed in hot spots in certain areas and Raleigh Street is one of the areas.

“This is a step to the right direction. We are happy that the city has introduced this unit and hope they will work hard in fighting crime in the area. People are being victimised in the streets and having these cameras can make a difference in catching criminals,” said Dube.

Instalments of cameras in the hotspot areas have been a wish of the CPF.

“We hope this unit will bring change in the streets of Yeoville and that more camera can be installed in others areas like Cavendish Road, Rockey and Hunter streets,” said Dube.

This project has a team of 80 dedicated Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers who will be focused on combatting street crimes reported on a daily basis in the inner city.

“These officers were handpicked for having good skills, such as to correctly complete a crime docket so that cases can be presented in court successfully. They have good driving skills because they will need to drive unmarked patrol vehicles at different speeds as well as in built up areas like the inner city.

“They have good firearm skills for both hand pistols as well as semi-automatic rifles,” said Wayne Minnaar, JMPD spokesperson.

The unit will have IOC monitors City-owned CCTV cameras 24 hours a day, with technology like license plate and facial recognition, a speedy and effective response to any crime spotted is equally important.

JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said there are plans in place to increase the number of cameras by the end of 2019.

“In the following months we will unveil more innovative hi-tech projects which will assist to improve service delivery and ensure our residents are kept safe,” said Minnaar.

Officers will be in both unmarked and marked patrol vehicles and will be deployed to hotpots identified in areas like Braamfontein, Yeoville, Hillbrow, Doornfontein and other parts of the inner city.

MMC for Public Safety Clr Michael Sun said this unit will address the crime issues in the city.

“For too long, the streets of Joburg have been held hostage by muggers, hijackers and other criminals. However, through the IOC Reaction Unit and the commitment of the JMPD, we have drawn the line clearly,” said Sun.