Durban - Bank cards believed to belong to several people were found on a beggar who was among 27 arrested during a raid by metro police in Durban on Monday.
Durban metro police have urged the public to stop handing cash to people at traffic lights.
Metro police conducted a city-wide blitz on Monday at various intersections, arresting beggars. Even disabled beggars and the usual play-acting “mad men” at traffic lights were squeezed into the back of a police van.
Seven were arrested in Margaret Mncadi Avenue (Victoria Embankment) and 20 in other parts of the city.
At the intersection of King Dinuzulu (Berea) and Musgrave roads, a beggar was found in possession of eight bank cards.
Metro police charged him with being in possession of stolen property. Police are trying to trace the owners of the cards.
The beggar could be linked to smash and grab and theft out of motor vehicles in the Berea area.
By-laws prohibit begging for money or goods whether by gesture, words or otherwise.
Although none of the beggars had money to pay the fines, upward of R500, they were given summonses to pay a fine or appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Daily News