Municipal by-law enforcement finally brings relief from unruly behaviour to Tugela Mouth

A year after the Durban High Court ruling compelling the Mandeni municipality to enforce its by-laws, the Tugela Mouth community finally received some relief from the torment of undisciplined revellers over the festive season.

No major incidents of crime, unruly behaviour or drownings were reported after roadblocks and search points were set up for vehicles entering the area.

This proved a welcome change for residents who had for years fallen victim to public drunkenness and loud music in the vicinity of their homes.

In December last year, apart from the usual drunken behaviour, a 16-year-old boy drowned and a woman in her early 40s was raped in one weekend.

A combined effort by the Mandeni municipality, Mandeni Saps and Business Against Crime (BAC) ensured order and a respite for residents and visitors alike.

Over 3 weeks Mandeni by-law officers periodically stationed on the P451 towards Tugela Mouth Beach made 9 drunk driving arrests, 6 public drinking arrests and 1 arrest for the intention of bribing a police officer.

“The Mandeni municipality security cluster, including Saps and other security agencies, left no stone unturned to provide holidaymakers with a safe festive season.

“Mayor Thabani Mdlalose has applauded the security cluster for their sterling work during the festive period, adding they must continue keeping our beaches free from crime,” said Mandeni municipality spokesperson, Mduduzi Manzi.

Two drownings were reported in the Amatikulu River.

Tugela residents expressed their gratitude for the work the security cluster has done and hoped it would continue throughout the year in line with the High Court ruling.

“Alcohol consumption, loud music and unruly behaviour were significantly reduced this festive season. This followed intense dialogue between the the Tugela Mouth Ratepayers Association (TMRA), municipality and the local Induna,” said TMRA vice-chairman, Jayden Sissing.

“These were short-term, temporary control measures, however. The TMRA will continue to work with the municipality, Saps and local structures to find a permanent, mutually beneficial solution which will ensure that by-laws are continuously enforced.”

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