Security and emergency committee decisions
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Date: 2025-07-28 11:10:09

Security and emergency committee decisions

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 JULY 2025
 
SECURITY AND EMERGENCY COMMITTEE DECISIONS
 
EThekwini Municipality’s Security and Emergency Committee convened on 23 July where several key developmental reports were tabled and supported, pending final approval by the Executive Committee and Full Council. 
 
*SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMITTEE LAUDS METRO POLICE CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGIES*
 
The Metro Police was lauded for their consistent police visibility and innovative crime prevention strategies during the Security and Emergency Committee meeting held at the Durban City Hall Council Chamber yesterday, 23 July.
 
The Committee applauded the Metro Police for their innovative crime prevention strategies which have made a tangible difference. 
 
This includes the recent deployment of high-powered vehicles to respond to criminal activities on the highway as well as for use by the Rapid Response and Operational Response Divisions of the Metro Police.
 
Among the successes highlighted at the meeting, was the tabling of a motion of implementation of Section 36 of the Crime Prevention Act, which grants authority for the Metro Police to probe documentation of items being sold at scrapyards. 
 
Scrapyards have been identified as a contributory factor to crime by buying and selling of stolen items.
 
EThekwini Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Committee Councillor Zandile Myeni said: “The exceptional work by the Metro Police Directorate needs to be applauded. Their crime prevention strategies have yielded positive results during the period under review.”
 
*UPDATE ON THE SAKHITHEMBA HOMELESS SHELTER*
 
An undertaking was made by the Committee to conduct frequent consultations with the community of lower Illovu, following concerns raised with the construction of the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter.
 
Due to overcrowding at three of the Municipality’s shelters, the Committee resolved to continue with the construction of the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter, committing to meet with the ward leadership and affected residents.
 
Deputy Mayor Myeni further commended the skills development programmes being afforded to the homeless throughout the City.
 
“Around 30 homeless individuals are being prepared by the eThekwini Municipal Academy for a three-month Artisan course, while 30 incumbents are being trained through the Moses Kotane Institute. They are awaiting placement in electrical, mechanical, computer numerical control, welding and admin courses. And a further 313 people were assisted with Identification Documents applications in 2024,” said Deputy Mayor Myeni.
 
*RESPONDING TO FIRE DISASTERS*
 
The Committee requested the Security Management Directorate and the Fire Services Directorate to provide a detailed update on their upcoming programmes and initiatives. 
 
The Committee stressed the importance of visibility of these essential directorates during crises, saying they should be ready to provide assistance speedily and effectively. 
 
This was against the backdrop of recent fire incidents at informal settlements.
 
The Committee reiterated its commitment to improving the quality of services provided to residents and ensuring that the Municipality remains responsive to community needs.
 
The tabled reports still require Executive Committee and Full Council approval.
 
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.