PICS: Durban Metro Police enforce zero tolerance on beachfront traffic violations
Durban Metro Police were out in full force on the Durban beachfront adopting a zero tolerance approach to traffic congestion and by-law transgressions on Monday.
Since Friday, police had to contend with traffic congestion in the Blue Lagoon vicinity, a murder following a party at Blue Lagoon and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s first anniversary celebration at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Durban Metro police also conducted searches of vehicles on the beachfront access routes to prevent the consumption of alcohol in public and driving under the influence of alcohol.
A Durban Metro Police source said they maintained high police visibility and conducted sweeps internally in the parking lots for smuggled liquor.
Various stops and searches related to traffic management plans and vehicles with alcohol were turned away. All parking lots on the beachfront were monitored and managed while loud music from restaurants was also prevented. The source said that people ordered alcohol from reputable stores that were delivered by motorbikes. Even vendors selling alcohol on trolley carts were warned.
According to the source, a popular restaurant on the beach promenade only had a restaurant license and did not have an entertainment license. The DJ was asked to pack up and leave.
Meanwhile, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma stated that 14 motorists were arrested in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday for driving under the influence of alcohol.
“We plead with motorists to be extra careful on the road and obey the rules. Our message is very clear, we won’t tolerate reckless driving. You comply, or we send you to prison. I have given the Road Traffic Inspectorate team the order to intensify the multidisciplinary roadblock and have no mercy,“ Duma said.
Law enforcement will also focus on roadworthiness and overloading; detection of stolen vehicles; those with illegal firearms and drugs; and recovering unpaid fines.
On Friday night, private security company Ensure Security reported that a shooting incident occurred near the Blue Lagoon area off Athlone Drive in Durban.
Two men were found with serious injuries and were treated and stabilised on scene. A man believed to be approximately 40 years of age, was found to have sustained a fatal gunshot wound and died at the scene.
“Information ascertained on the scene alleged that the men were celebrating finishing work for the year, when an altercation broke out, resulting in an exchange of gunfire,” Ensure Security stated.
Durban Central SAPS are investigating the matter.
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