One man was arrested, and drugs worth thousands of rands were seized during an integrated drug operation at Koedoe Park in Wierdapark on Valentine’s Day, following persistent complaints from local residents and school authorities.
Wierdapark residents and Springvale Primary School authorities recently raised alarm over the deteriorating safety conditions and municipal service failures, as drug-related activities and dysfunctional infrastructure continue to plague the community.
“The park had become unusable due to the large number of drug pushers and users who have turned it into their home,” said a community representative. In response, City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the metro has committed to addressing rising crime rates and service delivery challenges in Wierdapark through a comprehensive action plan, including joint operations with police and community stakeholders.
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The integrated drug operation targeting Koedoe Park, which included other activities such as maintaining high visibility in the area, marked the first of such initiatives. The operation brought together officers from Wierdabrug Police Station, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Community Policing Forum, and local security companies.
During the operation, authorities arrested one suspect for dealing in drugs, confiscated R2 700 in cash, and seized three small packs of heroin as well as two small packs of cocaine.
Mashigo assured residents that a comprehensive plan will be implemented to address the broader problems facing the Wierdapark community. “This operation represents just the beginning of our renewed commitment to community safety and service delivery in the area,” he stated.
The City of Tshwane has announced that similar operations will continue in the coming weeks as part of their broader strategy to combat drug-related crimes and improve community safety in Wierdapark.Â
Mashigo added, “The community’s call for intervention has been heeded. These will be continuous and unannounced operations to restore law and order. The raised municipal service delivery matters and concerns will be looked into and tackled.”
ALSO READ: Tshwane addresses Wierdapark community’s crime and service delivery concerns
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