An alarming attack on emergency responders at Thompson’s Bay over the long weekend has reignited concerns over alcohol-fuelled violence and the lack of law enforcement at KwaDukuza’s beaches during peak periods.

IPSS Medical Rescue director Dylan Meyrick was assaulted by intoxicated beachgoers while attending to a crash on Ocean Drive on Saturday. Meyrick was struck from behind, knocked to the ground and kicked by several assailants. One attacker attempted to drag him from his vehicle as he tried to get away. His girlfriend, two private security guards and a car guard were also assaulted.

“There were no members of Saps or KwaDukuza law enforcement on duty at Ballito beaches this weekend – Friday through Sunday,” Meyrick said. “We called Saps during the incident, but they only arrived after the attackers had fled.”

“There was also an incident on Sunday when private security called Saps because somebody refused to be searched for alcohol, but Saps said they did not have any resources because they were at a political event in Shakaskraal,” said Meyrick.

Saps spokesperson, captain Alex Thomson said cops had been allocated to conduct patrols at the beaches, however he did not specify how many police had been allocated and to which beaches.

The KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) beaches, particularly in Ballito, Salt Rock and Blythedale, have long battled alcohol-related violence.

Public anger peaked over this issue in 2020, where businesses threatened to withhold rates unless urgent action was taken to enforce by-laws.

While coordinated efforts between Saps, private security, the iLembe Chamber, neighbourhood watches and the municipality have helped curb incidents during Easter and festive seasons, long weekends like this one remain largely unmonitored – a gap many say must urgently be addressed.

Ward 6 councillor Ayabonga Zwane condemned the incident and pledged action ahead of Easter.

“This would not have happened if law enforcement was present. I will work with Saps and KDM to ensure officers are deployed going forward.”

KDM’s by-laws on alcohol consumption in public spaces are clear. According to the by-laws relating to public nuisance (chapter 22:10): “No person shall be or appear in any public place in a state of intoxication.”

Furthermore, the public amenities by-laws (chapter 25:8.1) state that “no person shall, contrary to a provision of a notice, bring into a public amenity any alcoholic or any other liquor or any food of whatever nature.”

KDM had not responded at the time of publication.

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