The Acting Sedibeng District Commissioner, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu, has expressed serious concern about alcohol abuse and how it impacts the community at large.

Nkhwashu led the first Sedibeng District SAPS liquor destruction at the Sebokeng Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Gathered at the event were members of all the police stations in the district, supported by their station commanders, the Department of Community Safety, Community Policing Forum, and the Midvaal Bylaw Department.

Confiscated liquor disposal is important because it helps reduce crime and ensures compliance with regulations. Removal of illicit alcohol from circulation enables law enforcement agencies to deter further illegal activities and mitigate the risks associated with alcohol abuse.

During his address, Nkhwashu stated the liquor was seized by members of the SAPS while conducting various crime-combating operations around the district. He highlighted that some of the liquor was seized from unlicensed operators, trading in liquor without the necessary documentation.

“Liquor abuse remains one of the leading contributors to crime, particularly domestic violence. Liquor also hurts the youth.”

Nkhwashu confirmed that the majority of crime scenes attended by SAPS stem from alcohol abuse.

He urged all station commanders to have proper control measures in place at stations to ensure that all liquor confiscated is properly safeguarded at the SAPS 13 storage facilities.

Nkhwashu has previously called for national intervention focusing on monitoring, rezoning, taxation, and more laws.

“Easy access to alcohol fuels violent and reckless behaviour. This is a problem that we as law enforcement are faced with.”

Nkhwashu said that communities were perishing as a result of excessive alcohol abuse. He called for stricter rules to govern liquor sales, stating that the easy access to alcohol in communities is alarming.