Durban crackdown on hijacked CBD buildings uses new policing tech

Durban authorities carried out a multi-disciplinary operation earlier this week as part of an intensified campaign against hijacked and illegally occupied buildings in the central business district (CBD). The intervention involved the South African Police Service, eThekwini Municipality, Durban Metro Police Service and the Department of Home Affairs.

Operation part of wider crackdown across the CBD

Officials said the action was part of a wider campaign targeting multiple hijacked and illegally occupied buildings in Durban’s CBD. Authorities identified several hijacked buildings and launched operations across the inner city as part of the intensified crackdown.

Area secured and safety checks carried out at Lancers Road site

Municipal teams and law enforcement secured areas before entering properties to assess potential safety and structural risks and to identify occupants. The source specifically notes that the intervention at the Lancers Road building took place on Monday morning, where teams inspected compliance with by-laws and checked service infrastructure.

New policing technology deployed

Durban Metro Police said the operation marked the first deployment of the service’s new smart policing technology.

“Body-worn cameras and personal digital assistants were successfully used during the operation. The technology helped improve safety, support police operations, and record activities on the scene,” says Metro Police spokesperson Boysie Zungu.

Programme goals and collaboration

The city described its Regeneration Programme as focused on tackling illegally occupied buildings, reducing crime and restoring law and order in the CBD. Officials said the initiative aims to make the inner city cleaner, safer and more attractive by dealing with illegally occupied buildings and improving quality of life.

The Durban Metropolitan Police Service said it will continue working with municipal departments and law enforcement agencies as part of ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the inner city.