Gqeberha: The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene warned owners of liquor outlets to operate in line with all relevant legal frameworks including municipal by-laws that are regulating liquor trade. Traders must also avoid overcrowding in their premises, so as to avoid stampede or suffocation of patrons, of which at times these incidents unfortunately result into loss of lives.

Today, Lt Gen Mene and her managers led about 150 members in operations, which were held simultaneously in the Sarah Baartman and Nelson Mandela Districts. A salient message during these operations was for people to exercise restraint and to drink responsibly.

Lt Gen Mene said, "We intensified our visibility in these areas primarily to ensure that our people are safe. However, we are urging them to also play their part by not being reckless and also to prioritise their personal safety".

Some motorists with outstanding traffic fines had to pay on the spot to avoid spending New Year's Day behind bars. The operation amassed nearly R30 000 from motorists with outstanding fines.

Lt Gen Mene and her management concluded their visit by conducting walk-abouts in shopping malls, beaches and other crime hot-spot areas, such as areas known for gang violence, where they engaged and simultaneously distributed safety hints pamphlets to people.

Source: South African Police Service