Const. Kelebogile Trom, the Ikageng SAPS spokesperson, says the police will continue to target the shebeens because they do not have liquor licences.

The designated police officer (DPO) working with liquor cases, Sgt Samuel Mokoena explained that taverns and pubs are regulated by the liquor act but it is difficult to regulate the shebeens. ‘We will also be clamping down on taverns and pubs that sell liquor to shebeens,’ he said. Mokoena informed the community of the rules and regulations for the consumption and distribution of liquor. ‘No person under 18 is allowed to buy or sell alcohol. Taverns may only sell liquor from 10:00 and must close their doors by 02:00. A bottle store may operate from 08:00 to 20:00.

Liquor may not be consumed outside the taverns or bottle stores and those who fail to obey the laws will be arrested,’ he warned. He also cautioned tuck-shop owners not to sell liquor or else they will be closed down.

Mokoena says foreign nationals may not own, rent or manage a tavern. Lt-Col Paul Langevelt, the Vispol commander, has appealed to the community or anyone who has a problem with the taverns in their area to report them at the Ikageng police station so that the DPO can attend to them. ‘Tavern owners are not above the law, they are also regulated by the liquor act of 27/1989,’ he said. Langevelt said the escalating crime at taverns and pubs is giving police problems. ‘We do patrol these taverns and pubs but it is not enough,’ he said.