Rietgat cops discuss safety with local tavern owners
Community meeting comes after deadly tavern shootings around the country claimed the lives of 22 young people recently.
Rietgat police, in partnership with the local CPF, met with liquor licence holders this week to discuss safety at taverns.
The meeting came after two high-profile tavern shootings made national headlines recently and hoped to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Acting station commander Colonel Dinah Tabane briefed the licence holders on safety basics at drinking establishments.
Owners were made aware of the importance of having clearly designated exit points, security guards at entrances and safe parking for patrons.
“We are not going to see the tragedy that happened in East London and other parts of the country where lives were lost,” said Tabane.
“We need to prevent such things from happening and we can only do it if we work together.”
In addition to the basic safety, the crime intelligence unit vowed to work with local liquor traders to reduce the number of crimes in the precinct.
Rietgat SAPS Warrant Officer Milton Mfulwane asked traders to upgrade security in their businesses.
“You must make sure that you have burglar doors and bars as well as CCTV in your taverns or pubs so as to ensure safety within the establishment,” he said.
“Having CCTV will also make investigations easier once a crime was committed.”
Mfulwane also cautioned owners not to allow underage patrons into their establishments.
“Closing after stipulated times is also not negotiable – it is a transgression. We will fine you and possibly even arrest you.”
In turn, liquor traders voiced their concerns over the lack of police visibility in their areas as well as alleged corruption within the police force.
Tabane promised to help owners with their concerns.
He said they should report any suspicious patrons or stolen merchandise to the police.
ALSO READ: Akasia police station phone lines restored
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
