Police accused of ignoring drunken beach brawl
The group became unruly and fights broke out.
BAD behaviour on Scottburgh beach was a major topic of discussion at last week’s exco community policing forum, which took place at the Scottburgh police station.
One Saturday afternoon about two weeks ago, a group of underage children was spotted at the beach, apparently under the influence of alcohol.
“These children looked like they were in their early teens and were seen openly drinking and even smoking dagga on the lawns,” said a local businesswoman.
She added that by around 2pm, the group had become unruly and fights broke out. “People report seeing them threaten each other with knives, broken bottles and bricks.”
The businesswoman said she had also been told that when police were called, the children apparently swore at them and ‘intimidated’ them. The police officers then allegedly left.
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A short while later, she said, K9 unit officers arrived at the beach but reportedly said their hands were tied because the children were minors.
Scottburgh Saps station commander, Colonel Ralph Ruiters said he found it difficult to accept that the officers were intimidated, especially by children, and also voiced his doubts that the K9 officers would not have taken action.
The concerned businesswoman wanted to know if, besides the bobbies on the beat and Gladiator Security Services patrolling the beach regularly, the police could do anything to prevent a recurrence of this behaviour.
Colonel Ruiters explained that resources were stretched and police had other priority crimes which needed their attention.
He advised the woman to contact the municipality to request more patrols, or to work closely with her security company.
On a more positive note, the woman said that besides this incident, there was a noticeable reduction in crime and rowdiness at the beach, for which police, bobbies and other law enforcement were thanked.
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