Durban - eThekwini Municipality says its Metro police officers are doing their jobs and those who see by-law infringements should report these matters so it can be tackled.
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela was responding to a statement from the DA regarding issues in the city.
Mayisela said while the DA as the official opposition has the right to raise the concerns it might have, the municipality was satisfied with the work being done.
“As the municipality we are very proud of the work Metro police have been doing and we are aware of other aggressive (law enforcement) programmes that they have under way.”
Mayisela also appealed to communities and other stakeholders to assist in ensuring that the by-laws are complied with by playing their part and reporting infringements.
In a statement on Wednesday. DA councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker said residents of the municipality were feeling helpless and frustrated by the lack of visible policing by Metro police.
“While crime escalates out of control in the absence of by-law enforcement, it is very evident that the city’s law-enforcement unit can’t provide protection to the ratepayers of eThekwini.”
She said there had been many blatant infringements that the unit should have tackled.
“Taxis have converted multiple corners of eThekwini into ranks without consequence management and public disturbance continues in the early hours of the morning.
“Muggings and robberies are on the increase as by-law violations continue. There is a clear absence of real leadership and political will within the unit while lawlessness in the city spirals out of control.”