The drowning of a 16-year-old boy and rape of a woman in her early 40s at Tugela Mouth at the weekend, are the latest examples of a total collapse of by-law enforcement in the area the local community claims.

Despite a Durban High Court ruling a year ago, compelling the Mandeni municipality to rectify its lack of by-law implementation, vice-chairman of the Tugela Mouth Ratepayers Association (TMRA), Jayden Sissing, said the small community continues to be tormented by lawless behaviour and crime.

“A fleet of taxis from Mandeni descend on Tugela Mouth every weekend, sometimes even in the week, flooding the area with partygoers, tons of alcohol and blaring music,” said Sissing

It became so bad last year that the TMRA took the Mandeni municipality to court. The Durban High Court ruled on December 23 last year that the municipality was not fulfilling its constitutional duties to the residents.

https://www.citizen.co.za/north-coast-courier/164997/landmark-ruling-as-high-court-backs-tugela-ratepayers-orders-mandeni-municipality-to-enforce-by-laws/

Despite the ruling, Sissing said municipal officers made no effort to comply.

“Until the rape incident this past weekend, officers never came to inspect the situation, let alone enforce any by-laws.”

This past weekend proved a flashpoint as tensions between Tugela Mouth residents and the revellers peaked, with several further incidents reported.

“A boom gate installed at the entrance to the car park on Friday was ripped out and destroyed on Saturday night, while a fight broke out on the beach on Sunday,” said Sissing.

In line with the High Court ruling, residents are planning a protest in the coming week to demand by-law enforcement.

The Mandeni municipality could not be reached for comment.

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