More Metro Police

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According to Bangazi, the MBDA had to make certain budget readjustments to fund its core operational mandate. The 22 private security officers were stationed at points in Parliament Street and Govan Mbeki Avenue, among other streets in Central.

“The security guards always worked closely and supported the police, but they do not possess the same power the police have.

“They can detain people and take them in, but have to consult with the police for further proceedings. We need the metro police because they have more power when it comes to crime,” Bangazi said.

Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Police chief Yolande Faro confirmed that 11 metro police officers had been trained in June and had been deployed to the area based on crime statistics.

“The officers will be patrolling the CBD, Central and the beach front. We deploy according to the crime pattern and the crime threat analysis,” Faro said.

The metro police officers are trained to protect the residents of the city and to ensure that crime is kicked to the curb. “We are striving towards a safer city and to make sure that our residents are protected,” Faro added.