No hookers on night of love in Rosettenville - Victory for city's clean-up operations?

15 February 2017 - 09:54 By Naledi Shange
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Sex worker. File photo.
Sex worker. File photo.
Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock

It remains to be seen whether residents' efforts to rid the streets of Rosettenville of drugs‚ prostitution and illegal immigrants are successful. But it sure was quiet on Valentine's night.

On Tuesday night‚ TMG Digital went on a drive around the area‚ visiting streets which are known to usually be pick-up spots for prostitutes.

  • Extra police 'boots on the ground to make Rosettenville safer'The City of Johannesburg has stepped up its effort in the eradication of drugs‚ prostitution and other crimes in Rosettenville‚ says public safety MMC Michael Sun.

While business may continue behind closed doors‚ not a single prostitute was seen on the busy streets of Rosettenville.

Several metro police vehicles were seen patrolling the area‚ with a few vehicles being randomly stopped and searched.

Meanwhile‚ at least two brothels that were torched by residents appeared to have been abandoned.

One house‚ however‚ continued to have activity.

  • Rosettenville residents demand lifestyle audits for foreign nationals owning houses in the areaRosettenville residents are demanding that the government conduct lifestyle audits for owners of houses in the Johannesburg suburb that are allegedly used for illegal activities.

Residents had alleged that drugs were being manufactured at this particular house.

Two men were seen outside the burnt structure while a Toyota Corolla was seen driving into the yard.

On Saturday‚ for a second weekend in a row‚ residents had descended on the streets‚ destroying houses where illicit activities were alleged to have been taking place.

Around 12 houses were destroyed as residents claimed police had failed to address their issues.

The residents claimed police were taking "protection fees" from drug dealers.

TMG Digital spoke to several prostitutes who claimed local police officials were some of their biggest clients.

In the last few days‚ government officials including mayor Herman Mashaba and Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba amongst others have visited the area‚ going on site visits‚ conducting raids and engaging with the community.

They have vowed to assist the community to clean up the area.

 

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