It’s been a month since Glenwood residents decried a night ‘street bash’ in Helen Joseph Road which saw thousands of revellers taking over the street in rowdy chaos.
Last night there was a sequel of the mayhem, when scores descended to the same street, in celebration of the MTN 8 Final match. Added law enforcement had to be deployed, including the SANDF.
Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher reckons the time for excuses is over.
“Davenport needs decisive action, strict enforcement, and accountability.
The scenes witnessed in the precinct last night are unacceptable and demand an urgent, uncompromising response from every authority responsible for public safety and law enforcement,” said Kristopher.
She said according to information available, the situation escalated to such an extent that more than 150 SAPS members, Metro Police and more than 40 SANDF members, supported by four army vehicles, were deployed in response to the disorder and to assist in dispersing street bashers.
Also read: ‘Street bash’ sparks enforcement outcry in Davenport
“Let that sink in. When a precinct requires a deployment of this magnitude to restore order, serious questions must be asked about the effectiveness of existing enforcement measures,” she added.
Umbilo CPF chairperson Sicelo Sibiya commended Umbilo SAPS Station Commander Colonel K. Khumalo for her leadership in co-ordinating the police response under extremely difficult circumstances.
“Without her efforts, we believe the consequences could have been far worse,” said Sibiya.
However, he said the need for such a substantial and immediate deployment highlighted the failure to establish a sustainable approach to managing the precinct.
“Unless something changes, it will not be the last time such occurs. We cannot continue relying on large-scale emergency deployments to deal with situations that could potentially have been prevented through better planning and consistent enforcement.”
Sibiya said Davenport Road was an important entertainment district that contributed to the local economy, but businesses could not operate at the expense of public safety, law and order or the rights of surrounding residents.
The Umbilo CPF has requested an urgent investigation into Saturday night’s events, including the role of establishments alleged to have facilitated or contributed to the gathering.
Also read: Make Helen Joseph a one-way
It has also called on the City to consider suspending relevant municipal business licences where legally justified and to refer implicated liquor licence holders to the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority for investigation and possible suspension.
The CPF echoes Kristopher’s demands.
“Ultimately, we want a safe environment for everyone, where businesses can thrive, visitors can enjoy themselves and the rights of local residents are respected,” Sibiya said.
Kristopher clarified that this is not about targeting students. It is about holding everyone accountable for their conduct.
She demands a sustained SAPS and Metro Police presence during identified high-risk periods, strict enforcement of applicable laws and municipal by-laws, a comprehensive investigation and official report on last night’s events, and regular engagement with affected residents and businesses.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
