Cabinet calls on the public to fight alcohol abuse

In a statement, Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said “tragically” the reopening of alcohol sales was followed by alcohol abuse, recklessness and terrible vehicle crashes and fatalities at the weekend, Pretoria Rekord reports.

“The recent spate of fatal accidents following the reopening of liquor sales is a cause for concern. It cannot be acceptable that three Tshwane metro police are among the people who died in alcohol-related vehicle accidents that occurred in Gauteng this past weekend. “

“Government sends its condolences to the families and loved ones of the three officers who died in such a tragic manner,” she said. Williams said among the 740 suspects, were two police officers arrested for drinking and driving.

“A 27-year-old constable was arrested in Sedibeng on Saturday night, after driving into an accident, injuring a bystander. He was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol as well as reckless and negligent driving,” she said.

A sergeant was arrested in Norwood, Johannesburg on Thursday night, after his car collided with a metro police vehicle.

The 37-year-old was arrested on the spot and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Williams said while many South Africans were “responsible” in their use of alcohol, government and society would not sit idle while lives were being destroyed as a result of “alcohol abuse and binge drinking”.

Williams said it had been noticed that some people were not abiding by alert level 2 regulations which placed restrictions on gatherings.

“We urge law enforcement authorities to play their role in bringing the culprits to book.”

Amid Covid-19 pandemic, Williams said it was not acceptable that health-care workers in hospitals had to deal with high numbers of cases at the trauma units as a result of alcohol.

“Although the government is committed to addressing societal issues such as alcohol abuse and the carnage on our roads, ultimately, these issues are everybody’s responsibility.”

“Government calls on all South Africans to promote responsible alcohol use and road safety in the country. “

Alcohol abuse is also often at the heart of contact crimes which include murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, assault resulting in grievous bodily harm, common assault, and robbery.

“Some families risk being totally destroyed because of the extent of alcohol abuse, it is estimated that around 70% of domestic violence is associated with alcohol.”

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