The Dundee SAPS had to deal with numerous cases of crime reported during last week’s Dundee July event.
Twenty-one cases, ranging from the discovery of a dead man near the track, assaults, malicious damage to property, to possession of dagga, were reported.
The body of a man, thought to be around 49 year old, was found in the area. The deceased was later unidentified as P Mkhize. Police await a post-mortem to identify the cause of his death.
Two men were arrested after bottles were pelted at the stage where performers were singing. Damage to the tune of R100 000 was caused to speakers, keyboards and other sound equipment. Senzo Khumlao (19) and Intenhle Ngubane (26) were charged.
In the early hours of July 20, an argument between two young men ended badly with one young man shot in the leg, after he allegedly stabbed the other. It is alleged that the other young man, who was armed with a firearm, is from Babanango. No arrests have been made, but police continue with the investigation.
In another case, a young woman was attacked by her boyfriend’s sister and her friends. She sustained an eye injury. Six suspects were arrested.
Another suspect was arrested for robbing a man of his Samsung cellphone and cash on the night of July 19. It is alleged that the man was heading back home when the robbery took place.
Criminals even went to extremes as they made away with a Mazda 626 that was parked at the horse riding track – this despite the security in place, who were more interested in checking journalists’ accreditation details rather than watching out for car thieves.
Police urge anyone with information about the stolen vehicle to contact the Dundee SAPS on 034 299 9700.
Police did, however, manage to arrest a 26-year-old who allegedly stole a car radio, boots and a toolbox from a Mazda Etude. The car belonged to Mr Mabaso, and items stolen were valued at R4 000.
Despite earlier promises of a ‘liquor clamp-down’ at the event, there were numerous reports of people drinking openly in the parking lot and simply discarding their empty bottles on the grass.
Clearly, next year’s event needs a security beef-up or all the good work done by the Dundee July to bring revenue into Dundee will unravel.
