Legislative amendments needed to address alcohol harms
The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, has condemned in the strongest terms the shooting of four people in Site B, Khayelitsha, at approximately 21h00 last night.
Six suspects allegedly approached the local tavern and opened fire at four patrons. All sustained several gunshots wounds and succumbed to their wounds at the scene. The suspects fled and no arrests have been made.
Minister Fritz said, “As a part of the Western Cape Safety Plan, my Department has been tasked with amending legislation relating to alcohol, specifically the Western Cape Liquor Act. To implement this, it is essential that these amendments contribute to a reduction of alcohol harms in our communities.”
“I have been informed that no arrests have been made at this stage and that detectives are probing the circumstances which resulted in the death of four men aged between 24 and 34 last night in Khayelitsha. I call on SAPS to swiftly conclude their investigation and ensure that those guilty parties are apprehended and convicted. Anyone with any information is urged to immediately come forward and report such to their local SAPS station or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” said Minister Fritz.
The Western Cape Injury Mortality Survey (2006 to 2016) highlighted that nearly 50% of homicide deaths in the province tested positive for alcohol. Over two thirds of homicides occurred between 5pm on a Friday evening and 4am on a Monday morning, hours when individuals are most likely to be consuming alcohol. Further, over 70% of homicide cases that occurred over weekends tested positive for alcohol.
Minister Fritz, “In a study published by the Department of Health in 2012, it was highlighted that alcohol misuse occurs so frequently because alcohol is easy to access and is relatively inexpensive. In our most under-privileged communities we see an ever-increasing number of illegal liquor outlets which operate late into the night and without the prerequisite safety controls in place. This can no longer be allowed to be the status quo.”
Media enquiries:
Cayla Ann Tomás Murray
Tel: 021 483 8550
Cell: 064 121 7959
E-mail: Cayla.murray@westerncape.gov.za
