In a dramatic raid on Durban’s inner city this week, the police seized over R4 million worth of counterfeit US dollars, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition. They also nabbed more than 100 undocumented foreigners. The operation, which targeted hijacked buildings and criminal activity, came hot on the heels of a major announcement from Mayor Cyril Xaba and Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson.
Xaba, joined by Premier Thami Ntuli and Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, was on the ground as suspects were detained in John Miller Street. The raid is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate Durban’s neglected inner city. Xaba and Macpherson had just signed a deal to unlock the potential of state-owned properties, with plans to make Durban a “beacon of hope” once again.
As part of the plan, a technical task team will meet monthly to address the city’s problem buildings, which include places like the abandoned Excelsior Court and police barracks. It’s clear that Durban’s inner-city facelift is in full swing, with authorities cracking down on crime while working to revive the area.