A provincial liquor bill needs to be expedited to reduce the contribution of liquor towards crime, North West Executive Council (Exco) resolved on Wednesday.
According to the 2011/12 crime statistics presented by Provincial Police Management to Exco, liquor has shown to have a direct negative impact on contact crimes.
Nineteen murder, 465 assault grievous bodily harm and 212 rape cases reported in the last financial year could directly be linked to murder.
Selling of liquor to underage patrons, trading beyond operation hours stipulated in liquor licenses, taverns and shebeens located within close proximity of schools and churches were identified as areas that need to be strictly enforced.
Police management gave Exco an undertaking that they would clamp down on illegal liquor trading, illegal gambling and gangsterism in Khuma, Orkney and Klerksdorp after MEC’s expressed concern about high prevalence of this phenomenon in the areas.
Meanwhile, Premier Thandi Modise has raised concern with regard to the slow progress registered towards solving outstanding muti-murder cases in Tlokweng village.
“We cannot fail the community. Young people in the area are scared and traumatised to the extent that most are afraid to venture out at night or even go to school. The butchering of our children has to stop. Justice must be seen to be done and the perpetrators arrested,” said Modise in calling for in-depth investigation and for the cases to be concluded before Christmas.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
Province
