Zero law enforcement raises alarm

Residents of Port Edward are calling on Ray Nkonyeni Municipality for urgent intervention.

November 5, 2019

Shona Aylward 1 minute read

Alcohol bottles strewn over the beachfront have become the norm in Port Edward.

Drunk and unruly behaviour, with litter strewn everywhere along Port Edward beachfront on weekends, has become a common sight for the residents of Port Edward, who are calling on Ray Nkonyeni Municipality for urgent intervention.

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Peter Brereton, vice chairman of the Port Edward Ratepayer’s Association, said the Port Edward beachfront has become a free for all on the weekends, especially Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with not a law enforcement officer in sight.

“Our beach is for all to use, but drunken, irresponsible and disorderly behaviour by some members of the public is fast ruining this vital attraction that benefits our community and businesses,” he said.

A wall at a Port Edward self-catering house was recently knocked down after a group of drunk people smashed into it.

Peter, who is extremely proud of his town, said this unlawful behaviour was embarrassing to witness and killing tourism to the area.

He pointed out that RNM had erected nuisance by-laws signs but are not enforcing any of these rules as they do not work over the weekend.

Discarded litter along the Port Edward beachfront is an eyesore.

Simon April, the spokesman of RNM, said law enforcement agencies, both RNM and Saps, worked together in enforcing the by-laws.

“The complaint regarding the lack of enforcement regarding the same is noted, and will be raised in our monthly service delivery cluster meeting, which both law enforcement agencies attend.”