Drink spiking, rape, robberies prevalent in east nightlife joints
A rape case was reported where a woman’s drink was spiked resulting in her being forced into a vehicle and taken to building where she was raped.
Drink spiking, rape and robberies are prevalent in crowded nightlife joints in the east of Pretoria, according to Brooklyn police.
This as a number of alcohol-related crimes were reported in Hatfield and Hillcrest over the past three months.
Such cases are common in nightclubs, pubs and restaurants which sell liquor, said police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach
These crimes included assault, rape, thefts, common robberies and theft out of motor vehicles.
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In a recent case, a rape case was reported in which it was suspected that the victim’s drink was spiked.
“The woman did not feel well after one drink and left the club,” said Weilbach.
“Two men forced her into a vehicle and she woke up two days later in an unknown building.”
Weilbach said she managed to get help after she realised she was raped.
“The majority of these crimes were reported between 23:00 and 01:00.”
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She said other victims reported their cellphones were pick-pocketed while they moved amongst the crowds.
“One young man passed out after celebrating and drinking too much with his friends one night. He woke up the next morning in a basement and discovered that all his belongings were stolen.”
“Another young man described how he was with friends when somebody joined them and danced with them. Afterwards, his cellphone was missing.”
She said excessive drinking is often associated with anger, aggression and violence.
“Liquor impairs judgment,” she said.
“Many assault cases could have been avoided with better judgment, self-control and anger management.”
“The golden rule is to walk away from any heated argument as this may turn violent. Do not stay and try to prove something,” advised Weilbach.
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“Violence is not a solution. There are better ways in settling arguments. It is also not worth it to end up with a criminal record due to bad judgment and anger.”
She said people who are under the influence of alcohol are more vulnerable and thus an easy target for criminals.
“Young people often get robbed if they leave club premises to talk on their cellphones, or when they wait outside for a taxi or their parents to come and pick them up.”
Vehicles are frequently parked on pavements due to the lack of parking for restaurants, pubs and clubs.
Weilbach said this also results in opportunities for vehicle-related crimes such as theft out of motor vehicles and theft of motor vehicles.
“Most of these crimes happen over weekends at premises in Burnett Street in Hatfield and Lynnwood Road in Menlo Park.”
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She said liquor abuse can also lead to other social problems such as academic difficulties, health-related problems, draining of financial resources, emotional or relationship stresses and an increase of vulnerability to victimisation.
She urged parents to familiarise themselves with the places where their children are hanging out.
“Give sound advice and talk to young people about using alcohol responsibly.”
She said residences should consider the possible implementation of curfews for students in the evenings and also over weekends to ensure their safety.
“Brooklyn SAPS has already visited Asterhof and Madelief residences this year to give training in self-defence and to discuss the dangers of drink spiking, responsible drinking and personal safety,” said Weilbach.
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