Peaceful shoreline over festive season

WITH about 15 000 bathers flocking to Alkantstrand in Richards Bay on Christmas Day and another 25 000 on Boxing Day, law enforcement teams reported a peaceful period on the local shoreline.

No incidents of drowning were reported as lifeguards conducted some 40 help-outs on Christmas Day and another 50 on Boxing Day.

uMhlathuze Chief Sport and Recreation Officer, Shakir Hiraman, said the large police presence on beaches ensured a safe environment for bathers.

‘We wish to thank beachgoers, who were well-behaved this year at Alkantstrand and the Bay Hall area.

‘We urge bathers not to swim at Palm Beach (near pipeline) but at the designated swimming areas at Alkantstrand,’ Hiraman said.

Anticipating an influx of bathers to Alkantstrand on New Year’s Day, a zero tolerance approach will be adopted and alcohol and dangerous weapons will be confiscated.

‘Taxis and buses are allowed to park at the Bay Hall area on New Year’s Day. It will be a one-way route to Alkantstrand via Bayvue Boulevard. Road blocks and stop and searches will be held at various strategic points.

‘Missing children will be kept in a cordoned area and if no one fetches them by the end of the day, they will be handed over to the SAP,’ Hiraman added.

Beachgoers to Alkantstrand will also enjoy a music concert on New Year’s Day featuring top national artists.

The zero tolerance approach to crime over the festive season will see men and women in blue out in numbers with even administrative staff on duty and working on the ground.

The operation involves all law enforcement agencies including traffic, SAP, Control Risk Group and uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue.

Empangeni SAP spokesperson Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose said police would be manning beaches at Mthunzini, eSikhawini, Port Durnford and Richards Bay.

‘Police divers will also be deployed from Richards Bay to Sodwana Bay. The Flying Squad will be patrolling the N2 while the Public Order Policing and detectives will also be on standby,’ Mdlalose said.