Drink and be merry in Endumeni – police hands tied over drinking in public
Captain Khumalo of the Visible Policing Unit said patrols will be stepped up in 'hot-spot areas' and added that any complaints should be brought up 'right away instead of waiting for a meeting to do so'.
The SAPS can no longer make arrests for drinking in public and other related bylaws such as urinating in public.
This revelation, made at a public meeting in Glencoe last week by senior SAPS officers, surprised many gathered in the Town Hall.
Answering questions regarding groups of people who ‘gather under trees (in Glencoe and Dundee) to drink and party’, police officials said that arrests cannot be made.
Steps are taken against those who drink and drive, and several illegal liquor outlets have been shut down, but those who drink in public have immunity.
Other anti-social behaviour such as noise complaints, etc, are also difficult for police, as there is continuing confusion over the municipal bylaws.
It was said that ‘there are bylaws, but there are no fines attached to these offences, so police cannot implement these laws, as the court does not proceed with such cases’.
Willie Steenberg (vice-chairman of the Endumeni Residents’ Association) expressed his organisation’s unhappiness over the revelation, stating that he would be taking up the bylaws issue with council.
SAPS service delivery in Glencoe was placed under scrutiny, with many complaining that come load-shedding, the police station is in darkness, the gates are closed and the phones are not answered.
Captain M Maharaj (acting Glencoe station commander) said the generator was faulty, but solar lights had been put up to ‘at least light up the entrance’.
“Unfortunately, when there is no power, the phones do not work. The phone rings, giving the impression that members do not want to answer calls, which is not true. However, we hope to put in a new telephone system soon.”
He said that urgent calls could be directed to Dundee SAPS, who will radio the Glencoe patrol vans to ensure that complaints are attended to. (In case of emergency, contact Dundee SAPS on 034 299 755, 034 299 700. The district emergency number is 082 826 8991)
Glencoe SAPS’s Captain Ollewagen said that a request (to head office) had been put in for the generator to be repaired, but they were told that the new (police) budget will only be available next month. Some in the audience offered their assistance to carry out the repairs privately, but there was no clear answer to this.
Captain Maharaj also fielded complaints over members in the charge office who ‘appear to be disinterested, do not stand up when members of the public come in, and/or say that there are no vans available when complaints are lodged’.
Responding, he said that all members ‘are trained not to say there are no vans available’.
“If necessary, the Dog Unit or other units can be called to assist. All members know that they should be helpful when attending to the public and show respect. If not, they will face disciplinary steps.”
Asked about the functionality of the Community Police Forum, Sergeant Vilakazi said that monthly meetings are held at the Glencoe police station and encouraged members of the public to get involved.
This was welcomed by those in the hall who are concerned about the availability of drugs in the area, burglaries and copper theft.
SAPS officials will also attend the Ward 7 committee meetings in the war rooms to ensure better co-ordination between the community and police.
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