More than 200 educational pamphlets warning about the dangers of illicit alcohol were distributed to residents and tavern owners across Orlando on July 28, as Orlando SAPS embarked on a community awareness campaign aimed at preventing alcohol related death.
Led by Sergeant Bongani Shirinda, the team stopped at various taverns to distribute educational pamphlets. In total, 200 pamphlets were distributed to tavern owners, patrons and the locals, informing them not to purchase or consume the illegal liquor.
The campaign aimed to create awareness regarding the dangers of the consumption of illegal alcohol, which is relatively cheaper but may be hazardous.
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As per the SAPS, even though the danger associated with such alcohol is high, people keep buying it due to its low price, especially young people.
Shirinda said the purpose of the campaign was to enlighten people prior to their losing their lives.
“The main aim is to reach the community and make them aware that illicit alcohol is killing people.”
“We do not want to wait until something bad has happened before we educate them.”
“People know it is dangerous, but we still need to remind them about the risks.”
Community representative Ernest Kganyango said the awareness campaign followed concerns raised by residents about the increasing availability of illicit alcohol in the area.
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“We are trying to educate our community about illicit alcohol. It is out there, and people are dying and unknowingly putting their lives at risk.”
“With the help of SAPS, we went out to educate the community so that we can prevent marches and protests after tragedies occur and, most importantly, protect our people.”
An illegal drink is an alcoholic beverage which is manufactured, distributed, or sold outside any system of government regulation or quality control measures.
Being unregulated, it may include some poisonous elements like methanol or any other toxic components, which could lead to blindness, failure of organs, and even death.
It is usually sold at an affordable price, which is quite attractive to customers regardless of health hazards.
Sergeant Shirinda led the operation with the assistance of Constable Bongani Chavalala, Sergeant Jane Mamakoa, the Social Crime Coordinator, and other SAPS officers who helped with the awareness campaign.
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SAPS urged residents to buy alcohol only from licensed outlets and to inspect all packaging carefully before consuming it.
