Zero tolerance approach this festive season, says KDM

Blue light patrols, stop-and-go searches and increased foot patrols can be expected as authorities are joining forces to ensure the safety of beachgoers on the North Coast this holiday.

The issue of public drunkenness and revelry by-law enforcement reached a boiling point in Ballito last November when the business community threatened KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) with a rates boycott if calls for better policed beaches were not met.

The situation was brought under control through a joint operation involving all stakeholders, public and private.

Fears of a return to this state of affairs have been high in recent weeks with a number of disorderly beach parties reported.

The festive season operation plan was launched at the Umvoti airfield last week, where KDM committed to carrying out a number of safety operations with the aid of neighbourhood watches, the police and security companies.

The goal, according to newly-appointed mayor Lindi Nhaca, is to focus on drinking and driving, as well as crime.

“This festive season, the tide against road carnage and crime will be turned. A war against road transgressors is being declared and we will be tough on folks who drive recklessly,” she vowed, committing to strengthening enforcement.

KDM community safety superintendent, Heidi Minnaar, said they would focus on beach safety, specifically drowning.

KwaDukuza protection services would also increase its visible policing eff orts and conduct road safety awareness programmes.

Authorities will be carrying out foot and road patrols, including beach controls. 

KDM’s protection services have also been given the use of a helicopter, sponsored by iSTAR Civil Defense, operated by Badul Air Aviation & Duma Tactical for the duration of the festive season.

“We have sponsored KDM with the use of our helicopter at no cost during this time. It will be used to get to hard to reach areas, especially when festive season traffic peaks,” said Badul Air Aviation’s Mohammed Badul.

Mayor Nhaca said she was grateful for the multiple collaborations that would be in place this holiday season.

“We will be working closely with police and various partners, including Pro Secure, Hawks Security, Duma Tactical, Marshall Security, BNW, community policing forums and communities to fight law infringements and criminal activities,” said Nhaca.

Marshall Security’s James Murray said KDM will be sponsored with two cars for the duration of the festive season safety plan period, one courtesy of Marshall Security and the other SMG Ballito, which is providing a fully electric BMW i3.

“Our aim is to strengthen KDM during this period and assist them wherever we possibly can,” Murray said.

A full-time guard is stationed at the flat-pack guard station at Thompson Bay.

Murray said they would be informing beachgoers of local by-laws and should issues arise which needed the intervention of KDM protection services, they would do so. iLembe Chamber of Commerce CEO, Cobus Oelofse, said they were confident the safety measures would see any issues that arose responded to effectively and appropriately.

“The focus for our tourism, hospitality and retail sectors remain municipal by-law enforcement, petty crime and the prevention of anti-social behaviour,” said Oelofse.

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