We are ready to enforce the law at Durban beaches – Metro Police

Durban’s Metro Police are ready to ensure that curfew and other regulations are adhered to around Durban.

Parboo Sewpersad, Metro Police spokesperson, said there will be a full deployment of police officers working in tandem with Urban Improvement Precincts ambassadors and other private security guards.

“We have planned roving roadblocks, visible precinct patrols and various check blocks. There will be an inner and outer cordon before you get to the beach,” he said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcements that Durban beaches will be closed on festive season public holidays and the first three days of the new year. In between those days, the beaches will be open from 9am to 6pm said Sewpersad.

“However, restaurants (along the promenade) will be open and the trading will continue, it’s just that you won’t be able to go to the beach or walk on the promenade because we cannot police people on the promenade and ensure they don’t go into the beach,” said Sewpersad.

“However from the Western side of the beach they can access the restaurants (up until 10pm).”

Sewpersad said there will also be a limit on the number of people allowed on to the beach which will be calculated per hectare.

Sewpersad said people contravening Disaster Regulations will be arrested and charged accordingly.

Tariq Sewpersad, a surfer who lives around North Beach told Berea Mail that he supports and understood the government regulations to restrict people on beaches.

“We have got to do what we can do, unfortunately lives are more important at this time,” he said.

“I surf every morning, evening, everyday. This time of the year is the busiest time and I do agree with the protocols that have been put in place otherwise the beach itself will become a superspreader.”