Durban - In a bid to avoid attacks similar to the one at a Richards Bay beach party at the weekend, eThekwini metro police will increase police visibility at Durban beaches.
They also warned that drinking alcohol at the beach was not allowed.
They expressed concern about the number of underage drivers being given cars to “go out” by their parents as celebrations for the end of exams continue across the city.
As a precaution and part of the city’s festive season programme, more than 500 policemen, who would normally have been off duty, will work overtime, but that figure could rise to 700 later in the festive season period.
Metro police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi, said they were aware of the brawl in Richards Bay and said the city had been monitoring revellers since the weekend with events such as the annual Matric Rage parties in Durban, uMhlanga and Ballito.
They will monitor other popular spots that are less organised, like the parking lots at Blue Lagoon, Country Club and other beaches.
Msomi said the events in Richards Bay were unlikely to occur in Durban because they were prepared to deal with any unforeseen emergencies.
“Police have been deployed already before the holidays have started due to the experience we have in the past. We had the matric rage at the weekend and there were little problems because of the large police deployment, but the one problem we have is that parents are releasing cars to their children after the exams and we are ending up with accidents.
“We need parents to stop giving children cars because they are driving drunk,” he said.
Msomi said police would be on the lookout for “misbehaving” revellers on the beaches.
Public transport vehicles were not allowed in the beach area and parking had been reserved for them at the old drive-in site next to George Campbell School, he said.
Beachgoers and revellers commuting to the beach would be expected to walk to the beach from there.
“Since alcohol is not allowed at the beach, the police will ask visitors to surrender any alcohol and issue a receipt to the person,” he said.
Msomi warned motorists not to drink and drive and said police would hold regular roadblocks. He said 128 motorists had been arrested this weekend for outstanding warrants.
More than 5.1 million people visited Durban beaches last year, and this year, authorities expected bigger numbers.
The city projects a R2 billion economic boost during the busy period, with hotels and eateries likely to benefit most.
The eThekwini Municipality said it was ready to host local, national and international tourists for the summer and has themed the festive season period as “Sunsational Durban, 100% Pure Summer”.
“All law enforcement agencies will be deployed at various areas within the municipal area to ensure that law and order is maintained and that patrons feel safe and protected at all times,” said municipal spokeswoman, Tozi Mthethwa.
With regard to the Richards Bay beach party, police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, said police were still investigating the murders. He said statements had been taken from some witnesses.
Daily News