The evidence was still visible on Monday: broken bottles, damaged pavements, and stains, although eThekwini Municipality Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit (CSW) reportedly came for a mega clean-up.

Fears are running amok among residents that the weekend’s saga will become a weekly headache. With their little faith in law enforcement, their concerns are more likely to become a reality.

“We have never seen anything like that before. Despite regular weekend disturbances, last weekend’s street party was a real concern,” said Heather Roos, deputy chairperson of the Glenwood/Bulwer Residents and Ratepayers Association (GBRRRA).

The unruly nightlife scene reportedly posed major safety and security threats, apart from the noise and traffic issues.

“Criminal activities are more likely to take place there, and a lack of visible policing or by-law enforcement breeds such behaviour. Vehicles violate traffic laws, additionally, nearby residents cannot use Helen Joseph Road to access their properties. Those who attempt to, are exposed to verbal harassment. With an old-age home nearby, what if an emergency vehicle needed to access the road?

Also read: ‘Street bash’ sparks enforcement outcry in Davenport

“We need, and hope, that the Durban Metro police could come to the table. And tell us what their plan is moving forward. We can all come up with constructive solutions, because it is clear that their minimal efforts has resulted in a lawless precinct,” said Roos.

To address the issue, GBRRRA has called on the community to attend a meeting this afternoon (September 8), to discuss the weekend’s saga and ongoing by-law issues, in an attempt to forge a constructive solution. The meeting will be held at Berea Bowling Club at 17:30 for 18:00 until 19:00.
To register, click here.

The chaos reportedly hurts legitimate businesses, which say they resort to closing their doors, to curb the overflow of revellers, who sometime use their premises for parking, or the toilets inside the establishments. The street bashes like this do not bring profit to some of us, instead we suffer a loss.”

Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher has called for urgent intervention following the incident.
She said this is indicative of how the situation has deteriorated to the point where surrounding residential streets are being swallowed by nightlife activity.

Of particular concern is the reported response from Metro Police that there were no vehicles available to attend to complaints. Kristopher is also calling for co-ordinated enforcement involving Metro Police, SAPS, municipal enforcement units and licensing authorities, as well as a review of residents’ complaints and call logs.

Durban Metro Police Service responds
Durban Metro Police Service Spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said they have noted the complaints regarding this particular incident.

“The gathering was not planned or known to law enforcement agencies beforehand. Due to the unexpected nature and size of the gathering, there was not enough manpower available for immediate deployment to the area.

“Following the incident, the DMPS has arranged a meeting with other law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS, to discuss a stronger and co-ordinated approach to dealing with unplanned events.
The meeting will focus on early information sharing, improved communication, quicker response and co-ordinated deployment when large gatherings are identified.

“The aim is to ensure that law enforcement agencies are better prepared to respond to similar incidents and that the safety and rights of residents are protected.”

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