ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI METRO POLICE INTENSIFIES LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT METRO-WIDE
The eThekwini Municipality, through the Durban Metro Police Service (DMPS), continues to execute multi-disciplinary operations across the metro to enforce statutory regulations, maintain public order, and enhance community safety. Over the past week, law enforcement personnel were deployed to key municipal nodes to inspect public transport vehicles, curb illicit activities, and maintain high-visibility road safety enforcement.
These targeted operations yielded significant operational successes across the city. In the Durban Central Business District (CBD), the DMPS Tactical Support Unit executed an intelligence-driven operation on West Street, which led to the arrest of an undocumented suspect and the seizure of 33 packets of suspected crystal meth.
To enforce road safety and regulatory compliance, officers conducted five targeted roadblocks and 22 vehicle stop-and-search operations across key transport routes. These interventions resulted in 84 arrests, primarily for drinking while driving and the issuance of multiple administrative fines to non-compliant motorists.
The Municipality also advanced regulatory compliance and urban management initiatives in commercial and public spaces. In Hammarsdale, the DMPS collaborated with the Department of Employment and Labour on a joint inspection, resulting in the immediate closure of a non-compliant manufacturing facility and the arrest of two individuals for alleged fraud and immigration violations.
Concurrently, the DMPS By-Law Special Operations Team cleared environmental hazards and addressed unauthorised land occupation along the M4, N3, College Lane, and Monty Naicker Street, while female officers led Operation Basadi along the R102 in observance of Women’s Month.
In preparation for the upcoming fixture between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and the All Blacks tomorrow, Tuesday, 11 August 2026, at 19:00 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, the DMPS will deploy officers in full force around the stadium precinct to manage traffic flow and secure spectators. Motorists and road users are urged to plan routes early, adhere strictly to municipal traffic by-laws, and follow the directives of law enforcement officers on duty.
Demonstrating the specialised operational capacity of the service, the DMPS Search and Rescue Unit responded to an incident near Wedge Pier at Lower Marine Parade during the past week. Following a comprehensive safety assessment, members successfully conducted a maritime recovery operation. The scene was managed in accordance with established protocols and formally handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.
eThekwini Municipality through the Durban Metro Police Service remains committed to its mandate to enforce the rule of law, protect municipal infrastructure, and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
