POLOKWANE – Strictly no weapons may be allowed into any clubs, bars, pubs or shebeens.

This was the word by the police following the murder of Justin de Freitas (33) at Soetdorings Country Club on Saturday. De Freitas was stabbed to death with a knife, allegedly by a 42-year-old man who has since been arrested.

According to sources who were present but did not wish to be identified, De Freitas and his alleged attacker had had an argument earlier on in the evening and later when they were leaving the club, they started arguing again, which was when the stabbing occurred.

Vicky, De Freitas’ wife, said she was not with her husband when the fight occurred but spoke to him during the evening and was on her way to join him when she received a call about the stabbing.

Polokwane police spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala, said the police warned that any clientele of food, alcoholic beverages and entertainment businesses found carrying any weapon would be arrested for being in possession of a dangerous weapon.

He added that the police had as far as possible already issued this warning to owners of such businesses in the city and the immediate vicinity.

Phala said the police were not going to tolerate such behaviour anywhere. “The police will make a point of doing regular checks at local drinking places and will make arrests where people disobey the law,” Phala said.

According to Gilbert Bosch, owner of Paris Lagoon Pub and Grill, his club had a fail-safe way of dealing with problems such as this.

“I make personal rounds on the floor and make a point of speaking to the visitors at my club. Everyone knows me and they know I don’t want trouble here.

“Because they know me, they respect me and help me keep the club safe for everyone,” Bosch explained.

He added that should there be people who caused trouble, they were banned from visiting his place again and this helped to keep negative elements away. Other club owners and or managers who spoke to Review on condition of anonymity said they had measures in place to make sure people did not carry dangerous weapons with them and rather left them at the bar or outside the establishment.

Some admitted to fights breaking out now and then, but these were quickly resolved prior to them escalating, they said.

Johannes Maake, a tavern owner in the city, said he had extra security on days when the tavern was busy and this let people know that he would not tolerate any fighting.

“I am here to do business and these people are here to enjoy the business I have. I am in close contact with the police and the people who support my business know that the police are welcome to stop and search anyone here,” Maake told Review.

• A memorial service will be held for De Freitas on Friday at 14:00 at the Soetdorings Country Club on the Soetdorings road.

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