Liquor traders on SAPS radar this festive season

Katlehong North SAPS held a meeting with liquor traders on November 16 at the station.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the safety of people and businesses during the festive season.
During his address to liquor traders, the acting station commander, Col Johan Botha, said parents and television indirectly influence children to drink alcohol.

He said children see their parents drink. They see it in films and television and they want to try it out for themselves; that is how the cycle starts.

“Just under half of all males prisoners have consumed alcohol at the time of committing the crime,” said Botha.
“We, the police, do regular outreach programmes at schools and in the community to warn young and old about the dangers of alcohol abuse. Undercover operations are used to catch illegal alcohol dealers and distributors,” said Botha.

Other members of the SAPS that formed part of the meeting included Vispol head Lt-Col Gumbi, liquor officer Sgt Zulu, CPF chairperson Sebeko and business liquor traders.

Botha urged liquor traders to report illegal outlets and the selling of liquor to minors.

He said they are ready to save and protect innocent people and property.

“Report all suspicious activities, people and vehicles to the nearest police station and remember to give us as much detail of the situation as possible.”

He urges residents to work with the police to fight crime and keep the area safe.

“We also urge liquor traders to emphasise Covid-19 regulations and remember that it is that time of the year when criminals take advantage and rob people in many ways,” said Botha.