A village in Mqanduli is to enforce a curfew on liquor trading and initiate homecoming ceremonies to curb crime sparked by alcohol and drug abuse.Ngqungqu village chief and Deputy Labour Minister Pathekile Holomisa yesterday agreed to calls from his subjects for the total shutdown of shebeens and spaza shops operating illegally ahead of the festive season.
The crackdown will extend to those hosting initiate homecoming ceremonies (iimigidi), with a 5pm curfew introduced for celebrations to end.
The decision, which has prompted other villages in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipal area to follow suit, was taken at a crime awareness campaign attended by more than 300 at Lower Ngqungqu Village on Monday. Villagers, who accuse police of dragging their feet, want to end the high number of deaths in alcohol-related crimes.
Mqanduli police spokesman Major Zamukulungisa Jozana said eight cases were reported at the meeting yesterday. “The community complained that a lot of people die during ceremonies that involve alcohol, and the rate of rape and stock theft is high. They said people should leave at 5pm during initiation ceremonies.”
The community, with the assistance of police, will ensure shebeens and spaza shops trade lawfully while those with valid licences will only be allowed to sell liquor until 5pm.
Holomisa said they had invited the police force and Eastern Cape Liquor Board to a follow-up meeting on December 14 where both institutions would be asked to identify illegal traders.
“Enough is enough. Crime is unacceptable whether you are rich or poor,” he said.
Eastern Cape Liquor Board spokesman Mgwebi Msiya welcomed the crackdown, but said Ngqungqu residents should report illegal activity to the police.
“We are also committed to fighting illegal activities at all costs due to its impact on our communities. Selling liquor without a licence is a contravention of the law,” said Msiya.
Chairman of the KSD traditional leaders Chief Zwelicacile Mtirara said: “As traditional leaders in KSD, we support this decision. It is something we have been talking about.”
Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders chairman Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima said he supported the decision by Ngqungqu village.
“They have taken a good decision in setting a curfew for alcohol.
“Many crimes are committed when there are such activities that involve alcohol. They have done well.”
Chief cracks down on liquor trade
Ngqungqu village chief and Deputy Labour Minister Pathekile Holomisa yesterday agreed to calls from his subjects for the total shutdown of shebeens and spaza shops operating illegally ahead of the festive season.
The crackdown will extend to those hosting initiate homecoming ceremonies (iimigidi), with a 5pm curfew introduced for celebrations to end.
The decision, which has prompted other villages in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipal area to follow suit, was taken at a crime awareness campaign attended by more than 300 at Lower Ngqungqu Village on Monday. Villagers, who accuse police of dragging their feet, want to end the high number of deaths in alcohol-related crimes.
Mqanduli police spokesman Major Zamukulungisa Jozana said eight cases were reported at the meeting yesterday. “The community complained that a lot of people die during ceremonies that involve alcohol, and the rate of rape and stock theft is high. They said people should leave at 5pm during initiation ceremonies.”
The community, with the assistance of police, will ensure shebeens and spaza shops trade lawfully while those with valid licences will only be allowed to sell liquor until 5pm.
Holomisa said they had invited the police force and Eastern Cape Liquor Board to a follow-up meeting on December 14 where both institutions would be asked to identify illegal traders.
“Enough is enough. Crime is unacceptable whether you are rich or poor,” he said.
Eastern Cape Liquor Board spokesman Mgwebi Msiya welcomed the crackdown, but said Ngqungqu residents should report illegal activity to the police.
“We are also committed to fighting illegal activities at all costs due to its impact on our communities. Selling liquor without a licence is a contravention of the law,” said Msiya.
Chairman of the KSD traditional leaders Chief Zwelicacile Mtirara said: “As traditional leaders in KSD, we support this decision. It is something we have been talking about.”
Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders chairman Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima said he supported the decision by Ngqungqu village.
“They have taken a good decision in setting a curfew for alcohol.
“Many crimes are committed when there are such activities that involve alcohol. They have done well.”
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