Mamelodi East SAPS management and their officers hit the ground to ensure that all illegal liquor outlets are closed down.
A total of 36 illegal liquor outlets were closed down and liquor worth R130 000 confiscated at the weekend in Mamelodi.
This came after the Mamelodi East police management and their officers and other law enforcement agencies hit the ground to ensure all illegal liquor outlets were closed down.
Police spokesperson Constable Lethabo Mashiloane said the Mamelodi East police decided to clamp down on illegal outlets following a spike in the number of domestic violence cases reported over weekends.
“A thorough crime analysis in Mamelodi East found that liquor was the highest contributor to contact crimes like common assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and domestic violence and that these mostly occurred at liquor outlets.
“We also encountered instances whereby women come to the station to complain about their husbands or partners that come home drunk and start to insult and beat them or people fighting and stabbing each other at these illegal taverns.”
Mashiloane said to address the rapid increase in contact crimes, management decided to be on the street with members to ensure that all illegal liquor outlets were closed down and liquor stores that did not comply with the law were issued fines.
He said the operation, which led to the arrest of 38 people for public drinking and 15 for driving under the influence of liquor, was a success.
Other law enforcement agencies embarked on an operation to shut down illegal liquor outlets and confiscate liquor.
Mashiloane said the fines for selling liquor without a licence and other non-compliance with the law issues came to R52 000.
He said the operation would continue until Mamelodi East precinct was a crime-free zone.
Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders’ Association president Oupa Mthombeni praised the police and said he fully supported the operation.
He said he was pleased with the result of the operation but added it was important to sustain the operation.
Mthombeni said it was about time liquor traders started complying with the law as his association had been warning them for a long time “to no avail”.
Mthombeni said they were planning to discuss the importance of the issuance of this letter with the Gauteng premier.
“Traders need to respect their neighbours, stop playing their music loudly and comply with the law.
“We are having weekly meetings to discuss the issues we have with traders, including those who have licences to operate but still they don’t comply with the liquor act.
“We are increasing efforts to eradicate illegal outlets that are destroying our community with alcohol especially in the far east of Mamelodi.”
Furthermore, he said, the liquor traders should stop selling alcohol to underage children and pregnant women. He said liquor traders should start operating from 10:00 until 02:00 as required.
He encouraged the police and other stakeholders to continue with the operations.
Mthombeni also pleaded with the public to stop drinking in public places especially at street corners and community parks.
The police advised the public to report any illegal liquor outlet to Mamelodi East SAPS on 012-815-7079 or the liquor officer on 060-305-5523.
Reprinted from the Pretoria East Rekord – 2020-02-12
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Simon Dippenaar
https://www.sdlaw.co.zaCape Town attorney Simon Dippenaar has a BBusSc LLB degree and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Cape Town, and is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is the founder and director of private legal practice, Simon Dippenaar & Associates, with offices in Cape Town and Gauteng representing South African and international clients.
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