Crime levels in Alexandra, especially during the festive season, can be curbed if people drink alcohol responsibly, according to Alexandra Station Commander Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane.

He said most crimes committed around this time of year are alcohol–related. “The crime is increasing because people like alcohol, and most of them have firearms. If they don’t have firearms, they have knives.”

Read more: SMASHED initiative tackles underage drinking

He warned that people who carry firearms to clubs and taverns while drinking risk having their weapons confiscated. “When you are under the influence of alcohol, and you are carrying a firearm, we take your firearm. People, when they are under the influence at the taverns, use their firearms.”

Even when firearms are carried for protection, Ngubane said intoxication often leads to irrational decisions. “Most of them, after being arrested, we ask them why they shot someone. They say they were drunk. They say: ‘I just took it and I killed him, I was drunk, I don’t even remember what happened’.”

Also read: How to report illegal drinking in Johannesburg

Ngubane added that crime experienced by residents in Alexandra is worsened by alcohol consumption. “If we can say we are closing all the taverns, there will be no crime. All these crimes are committed because of alcohol and drugs.”

Furthermore, he cautioned against drinking and driving, noting that some people take chances by going to the tavern, consuming alcohol, and then attempting to drive home. Ngubane emphasised that when a person is drunk, it is better for them to call someone to fetch them, someone who is sober to drive, instead of putting their lives, and the lives of other motorists, in danger. “Do not assume, or assure yourself, that you know how to drive when you are under the influence of alcohol. Do not do it. Rather request a ride on e-hailing platforms and let them take you home.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!