Police in Limpopo have attributed the rise in crime to alcohol and are now calling for the reinstatement of the alcohol sale curfew.
This was proposed by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, during the Limpopo Liquor Affairs stakeholder’s engagement session in Polokwane, ahead of the festive season.
“As we explore this issue, we must confront a troubling reality.
Alcohol is the leading contributor to various crimes in Limpopo.
The statistics are alarming, rapes, assaults, murders, domestic violence, child abuse, road fatalities and attempted murders are frequently linked to alcohol consumption both within and outside licensed venues. Now is the time to rethink our approach.
The amendment of the liquor regulations offers us an opportunity to balance the interests of the business community with the well-being of our residents,’’ said Scheepers.
Last year the Limpopo Hight Court ruled that liquor outlets can trade until 02:00 am under the repealed Liquor Act 27 of 1989.
This after numerous liquor traders opposed the restriction of alcohol sales after midnight.
The National Liquor Traders Convenor Lucky Ntimande had accused the provincial government of trying to use taverns as a scapegoat, and suggested talks for sustainable crime fighting solutions.
During this year’s commemoration of World No Alcohol Day in October, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe warned that the levels of alcohol consumption in the country have reached peak levels, making South Africa one of the highest drinking nations globally.
Meanwhile, Scheepers suggested some measures for consideration which include, “adjusting closing times, noise regulations, community engagement and support for victims.”
The Major-General is adamant that these steps will not only curb criminal activities, but they will assist during periods of school exams and reduce road fatalities.
The ban and prohibition of liquor sales yielded positive results during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to less trauma admissions and domestic violence amongst others.
