Arrests in two separate beach altercations
According to Mr April, this was witnessed by a number of people on the beach including the Municipal Law Enforcement Reservists who were there to man the beach.
Two altercations occurred on South Coast beaches over the Christmas weekend – a brawl between lifeguards and bathers on Manaba beach last Wednesday and a scuffle between Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members and a beachgoer on St Michael’s beach on Sunday.
According to provincial police spokesman, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, in the St Michael’s beach incident, it is alleged that a 57-year-old man was assaulted by four suspects.
“The man sustained bruises on his head. Four suspects, aged between 23 and 39 were arrested. A 39-year-old suspect was also charged for incitement to commit public violence,” said Colonel Mbele.
They appeared in the Ramsgate Magistrate’s Court on Monday this week.
A case of crimen injuria was also opened as a counter charge.
In the Manaba beach incident, four men, aged between 21 and 52 appeared in the Ramsgate Magistrate’s Court last Thursday after an altercation with lifeguards at Manaba beach.
According to Margate SAPS spokesman, Sgt Sibu Ncane, they faced charges of assault with an intention to cause bodily harm and malicious damage to property.
Spokesman for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Simon April, confirmed that an incident had taken place at Manaba Beach at about 2.20pm.
“The alteration took place after lifeguards who were on duty were performing their work by giving directives to bathers. They allegedly responded by swearing and assaulting the lifeguards,” he said.
According to Mr April, this was witnessed by a number of people on the beach including the Municipal Law Enforcement Reservists who were there to man the beach.
“The fight was very violent as about four lifeguards were injured with one being seriously injured.
“When the Reservists called other Law Enforcement officers, the group of bathers then left in a vehicle, but the registration number (GP) was captured, and a case was opened with Margate SAPS.”
“As the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, we regret this unfortunate incident as we value visitors to our beaches, but we can’t condone lawlessness and we wish that the law can take its course,” he said.
Mr April pleaded with bathers and beachgoers to obey instructions from lifeguards and also to adhere to precautionary measures meant to combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic faced by the country and the world. “We’re hoping that the law will take its course and wish all those injured during this unfortunate incident a speedy recovery.”
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