Mounted police to patrol beachfront
The Metro Police will be increasing patrols at the beachfront during the holidays.
METRO Police are pulling out all the stops to ensure residents and visitors to Durban will have a safe festive season.
According to Sen Supt Eddie von Bargen, divisional commander of the beach and central region at the Durban Metropolitan Police Service, Metro will be pulling in extra members and resources from outside areas to assist with the management of the people and traffic along the Durban beachfront.
“We will have our mounted unit assisting in the area, and the SAPS have also advised they will have their mounted unit patrolling the beaches. We will be dealing strictly with people consuming liquor as we want to avoid conflict and drunken behaviour on the beaches. We believe the beachfront should be enjoyed by all, and this must not be spoilt by a few drunken louts,” said von Bargen.
He said beachfront access permits will only be issued to residents and persons working within the cordoned off area of the beachfront.
“On days when we experience or expect exceptionally heavy traffic, we will close the barricades and only allow persons in who have these permits. Generally, this only occurs after 9am on public holidays. The roads will remain closed until the evening when the traffic flow decreases. These closures may be progressive in that we will first only prohibit public motor vehicles from entering, and if required then do a full closure,” he said.
He said Metro requested the public to co-operate with its requests and not block intersections.
“This time of year the heat and humidity often results in tempers flaring unnecessarily, and as much as we have asked our members to be tolerant with the visitors to our beaches, we will not accept anti-social or violent behaviour,” he said.
He urged residents to be observant and have a safe festive period.
