DURBAN - The KZN Liquor Authority said it was concerned about the mushrooming of illegal liquor outlets in Inanda and is in the process of shutting down two businesses where three people were murdered.
Acting chief executive officer of the KZN Liquor Authority, Bheki Mbanjwa, said the authority received information from the SAPS about three murders that took place within two different liquor outlets in Inanda, on November 26 and 27.
The authority said Mbanjwa accompanied by the compliance and enforcement team and the SAPS visited the two outlets last Wednesday as part of an inspection to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths.
The inspection also sought to determine if there was any breach of liquor licence conditions by the owners of the outlets.
The authority said reports alleged that the first two murders took place at Masijabule Tavern on November 26, at approximately 10pm. Two patrons were shot dead.
The third alleged murder took place at Sisters Eating House on, November 27 at approximately 2pm. One man was beaten and stabbed to death inside the liquor outlet.
“Investigations have revealed that both outlets do not have valid licences and are currently trading illegally. The KZN Liquor Authority together with the SAPS will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that both of these outlets are shut down and face the mighty hand of the law,” said Mbanjwa.
Mbanjwa said the authority is particularly concerned about the number of illegal outlets that are mushrooming within the Inanda area, in particular.
“Whilst we are encouraged by our inspectors who have been diligently conducting compliance inspections in all districts and working with law enforcement in shutting down these illegal outlets, we have committed ourselves and partnered with the liquor industry and role players to ensure we not only address the issue of non-compliance, but tackle head-on the scourge of gender-based violence and illegal trading,” he said.
THE MERCURY