*HOLIDAYMAKERS may be thinking twice about coming back to Toti next year following the acute overcrowding on the beach on Monday, according to an on-the-spot survey carried out by the Sun. Municipal sources estimate there were at least 8,000 people at the Inyoni Rocks beach on both New Year’s Day and January 2.
The associate town clerk, Neil Schwegman told the Sun there were several minor flare-ups on the beach on both days.
* UNRULY New Year’s Day crowds caused havoc for motorists near Umgababa when over 40 cars were damaged by rocks, bricks and other missiles. It is assumed that the crowd of people came from the vicinity of the Umgababa station where the police had earlier been called in, and had to use tear gas to quieten New Year’s revellers who had got out of hand.
*A MAN died at Widenham after a train hit him while he was crossing the railway line to get to the beach. An eyewitness who crossed just a few seconds before, said that the man apparently did not see or hear the train, as he made no effort to hurry as it drew nearer.
The spot where the accident occurred is the same place where a young girl was knocked down and killed a few years ago.
* EMILO Chiccaro of Umkomaas was a crew member on the John Rolfe helicopter involved in a sea rescue at Tekweni Beach in Durban.
The well-known orange and yellow John Rolfe-sponsored helicopter, which is manned by qualified voluntary lifesavers, was summoned to Tekweni Beach after a bather who was close to drowning had been brought to shore.
*THE BADLY mutilated body of a young man washed up at Widenham Beach over the New Year. The man was one of two youngsters who had apparently drowned a few days previously at Umnini Beach.
The body of the second youth has not been recovered as yet. According to the police spokesman the body had been attacked, presumably by sharks, before being washed up onto the beach.
