Cops planned Matie drug raids
2008-03-11 08:16
Jackie Pienaar-Brink and Malani Venter
Stellenbosch - The drug bust during the early morning hours of Saturday at three popular venues in town did not take place on the spur of the moment.
It was preceded by various clandestine operations during which it became apparent that drugs could be bought at the particular premises.
Owners of licensed sites were also requested by the local alcohol forum two weeks ago to get their matters in order regarding their responsibility not to allow drug dealing on their premises.
Drug dealing continued nevertheless, said Director Dirk Mentoor, commissioner of the Stellenbosch police station, on Monday.
Four charges of assault
This was confirmed by operations on Friday evening on the eve of the bust. "We knew there was drug abuse before we arrived."
Last year a large drug smuggling network in Cloetesville, which was being visited by students, was closed down, he said.
Saturday morning's drug bust was a joint operation by the police intervention unit, the local police and local fire brigade, supported by the police legal division.
The fire brigade had to ensure that the premises complied with fire regulations and according to Mentoor several warnings and notices were issued to the clubs.
"We also have a video recording of our operation."
He said there was no "flood" of complaints after the bust. By late on Monday four charges of assault had been filed with the police.
Mentoor explained to the University of Stellenbosch's protection services, house committee chairpersons and the student counsel that the bust did not take place on the campus, but at licensed premises.
About allegations that the police did not want to handle complaints about the incident over the weekend, Mentoor said it was decided to rather look at the matter collectively on Monday.
It was taken into consideration that some people might have been under the influence of alcohol at the time.
About allegations of rough treatment, pepper spray and shots being fired, he said: "We prepared for possible risks. We cannot go to such premises without being prepared."
He denied that live ammunition or rubber bullets were used. About a bullet hole in the club's roof, he said: "It could have taken place later. We have a bunch of hostile owners who might want to prove the opposite."