There are more than 3 200 illegal shebeens operating in 45 areas across the Western Cape.
The Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) revealed this during a response to a question in the provincial legislature this week which prompted the DA in the province to call on SAPS to take action against shebeens operating without licences.
In an attempt to eradicate the illegal sale of alcohol, DA spokesperson for community safety and member in the provincial legislature, Gillion Bosman, said he would enquire on SAPS strategies on halting illegal operators.
“It is well known that many of our communities suffer from substance abuse in which alcohol plays a massive role.
“As such the existence of illegal traders not only reinforces alcoholism in our communities, but also furthers the negative effects it has on our society,” Bosman said.
Bosman said while the work done by the SAPS so far was commendable, the aim was to allocate the proper resources to deal with illegal traders.
“We welcome the efforts from the Western Cape government as the WCLA provides copies of notices given to illegal outlets to SAPS in order for criminal investigations to take place. Moreover, liquor inspectors also follow prosecution so that suppliers to these outlets are monitored and prosecuted.
“For us to live in safer communities, we need to ensure that responsible drinking takes place. We look forward to the Western Cape continuing its efforts,” Bosman said.
The response comes as the spotlight remains on illegal taverns and shebeens in South Africa after the incident at eNyobeni Tavern in the Eastern Cape where more than 20 teenagers were killed.
After that more tragedies occurred, including a mass shooting in Soweto where 15 people were killed in July at a drinking hole.
Media queries to the office of Police Minister Bheki Cele were referred to Western Cape spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa, who was yet to respond to questions by the time of publication.
Weekend Argus