North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety & Liaison, Ms Desbo Mohono has called on police to clamp down on the non-compliance with the Liquor Act (Act No.27 of 1989) and stamp their authority against illegal liquor trading, violation of trading hours and illegal bashes ahead of new- year festivities.
MEC Mohono’ s call comes on the eve of the commemoration of the Ipelegeng stampede in which 10 youths died at a tavern on new year’s day and in the light of high incidents of rapes, murder, armed robberies, assault grievous bodily harm and assault common reported during the Christmas weekend.
According to police, many of the crimes committed during the period were either as a direct or indirect result to the operating hours, abuse of alcohol, the lack of proper management by tavern owners in terms of the applicable provisions of the Liquor Act and non-compliance to the provisions of the Act.
Non-compliance relates to the selling of liquor to minors, selling after official trading hours, selling to already intoxicated patrons and selling of liquor for consumption other than on the licensed premises.
Lack of management by owners also result in members of the public carrying dangerous weapons inside the licensed premises which, in many instances contribute to offences such as assault Grievous bodily harm (GBH), attempted murder, armed robberies and murder.
The MEC appeals to women to avoid walking alone at night particularly after visiting taverns and shebeens as most reported rape cases occurred at, around and after victims had left these premises.
Mohono also pleads with parents not to leave their young children alone and or unattended to reduce the risk of them being targeted for heinous crimes in their absence.
She also advises parents to at all times know their whereabouts of their children, be concerned about their wellbeing and safety.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0140
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 0328
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
MEC Mohono calls for clamp down of illegal liquor trading and vigilance as rape incidents and murder escalate
Province
