Police visibility appears to be yielding some results in Westbury after the specialised unit was deployed to the area.
The deployment follows violent protests which lasted for two weeks earlier this month after a woman was caught in the cross-fire of two rival gangs. Heather Pieterson died and her 10-year-old niece was wounded.
Police patrolled the streets overnight while Police Minister, Bheki Cele, assisted the special unit in searching taverns in the area.
A few weeks ago, residents took to the streets, accusing some Sophiatown police officers of colluding with criminals. They also named several officers who are allegedly on some druglords’ payrolls.
This led to the arrest of several suspects – including two police officers.
Cele says his department will continue working with Westbury residents.
“I just wish there will be more social life, people will be walking in the streets, going about their lives almost everyday and it seems to pay off at the present moment. They are on the quiet side and some still have fear, though life is much better.”
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