Sakhile locals worry about teens in taverns

A tavern in Semendeni, Sakhile operating 24/7 has residents’ hair standing on end because of the potential harm that may come to youngsters.

A resident of the township drew the newspaper’s attention, by way of a letter, to under-age children frequenting the tavern, pointing out that the noise level is such that neighbours and the elderly can’t go to sleep at night.

The local, who wishes to remain anonymous, visited the Standerton Advertiser on Tuesday, August 2.

In the letter, mention is made of the mass shootings at several taverns such as Pietermaritzburg, Soweto, Johannesburg and Cape Town, with Mamelodi, Pretoria also an example.

He said residents fear that fate might befall them.

“The South African Liquor Board has to intervene,” he added.

The legal drinking age in South Africa is 18, but some taverns allegedly serve drinks to minors and the disaster at a shebeen in East London in June, where 21 people died, can’t be celebrated either.

According to the resident, some trigger-happy people fire up in the air, mentioning the danger of these exercises.

He also tried to collect empty cartridges to bring along to the offices.

This local alleged the shooting begins on a Thursday, carries on till the Sunday morning and urged the newspaper to communicate with the provincial commissioner of police in Mbombela (Nelspruit).

He wanted intervention by the Minister of Police, as well as the Minister of Community Safety, Security and Liaison and emphasised the danger of the situation.

“Police officers should patrol the area in the evening,” he said.

How, when and where the firearms are obtained, is an open question.

The newspaper contacted the communications officer of Sakhile Police, Const Dudu Zwane, on Tuesday, August 2, requesting assistance in visiting some of the taverns in Sakhile.

Station commander, Lieut-Col Mbatha, suggested the same day that the newspaper arrange a meeting with tavern owners to address the issues.

He said the community’s concern was noted and indicated that a meeting with owners of liquor outlets was held at Standerton Police Station on July 26.

“I’m not sure when the next one will be held,” he also said.

The Standerton Advertiser contacted Capt Gibi Mtshweni, communications officer of Standerton Police, on August 3, asking for feedback on the meeting.

Capt Mtshweni said the following day that four owners of retail outlets in Sakhile attended the meeting.

The discussion focused on complying with Section 45 (1) and (2) of the Liquor Act regarding the the opening and closing times of taverns, as well as Section 45 (3) regarding the waiting period for approval of an applicant’s licence.

“An applicant should wait for approval of the licence and not operate, while waiting,” she also said.

Age restrictions should be displayed furthermore, the licence should always be displayed on the premises and be visible to everyone.

“The attendance by Sakhile’s liquor outlets was poor,” she concluded.