Tavern owners get lesson
May 07 2008 04:03:46:163PM  - (SA)  

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Different speakers from the SAPS Crime Intelligence Gathering, Department of Social Development, Department of Justice and the designated police officials addressed tavern owners.

Mr Paseka Mogorosi, a tavern owner, highlighted the fact that there are long grass in Welkom, a lack of street lights and that criminals are taking advantage of the situation.

Mogorosi further said the closure of taverns at 02:00 is contributing to crime, because tavern owners have to chase people away, because liquor regulations does not allow them to sell any alcohol after that time.

Supt. Amanda Dippenaar explained about crimes caused by liquor abuse around the Welkom Station precinct.

Crimes like murder, rape, common assault, assault with the intention to do grievious bodily harm, common robbery and robbery with aggravating circumstances are mostly reported in the vicinity of taverns.

Ms Johanna de Wet from Social Development related to aspects where liquor is affecting individuals, a family unit and lastly the society.

She further stated that tavern owners should encourage their clients to take care of their families and not spend all their wages and salaries on a drinking spree.

According to her the department handled quite a number of cases where liquor is the cause of abuse.

Mr Reggie Maphumulo from the Welkom National Prosecuting Authority highlighted the fact that most of their cases in the Welkom Court are liquor related like drunk driving and crimes committed in the illegal shebeens.

He said that legal tavern owners should report them to the police to be brought in court to face the might of the law.

Supt Isaac Molapisi, a designated police official, emphasized that they will continue enforcing the law in terms of the Liquor Act and that they will always act upon culprits. He also appreciated the cooperation they are receiving while executing their duties, especially in taverns.

Capt. Kemane Lekitlane was introduced to tavern owners as he will be working together with Molapisi.

Capt. Simon Ceba was directing the programme for the forum.

“We will continue doing this outreach as the Welkom Police and it really shows that we care for our community, especially tavern owners, when we inform them about crime situations in their respective vicinities,” said Dir Samuel Mocwaledi, station commissioner of Welkom.

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