Image: ECR

Faizel Patel – 15/12/2020

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143

KwaZulu-Natal Police say officers will be out in full force to maintain law and order during the festive season.

With many South Africans heading to the coast, police have advised members of the public to be cautious during the holiday season.

The police’s Thembeka Mbele says there will be zero tolerance against those found violating the rules and regulations.

“All those who are found to be contravening the regulations of the Disaster Management Act will face the full might of the law. The roadblocks, stop and searches are ongoing in the province.  During the operations and as part of enforcing compliance with the Liquor Act, drinking in public will be prohibited.”

Mbele says  community members are reminded to always wear masks, sanitise their hands and observe social distancing.

“The prevention of the spread of the virus is everyone’s responsibility. Let us stay at home and be safe. We know many people are looking forward to celebrate during the festive season but it is also the time for the community to look after themselves during this pandemic period.”

She has appealed to community members to consider staying at home during this festive season

Mbele provided information related to the availability of the beaches during the festive period.

• The beaches will be closed on the following days, 16, 25, 26, 31 December 2020 and 1,2 and 3 January 2021.
• No one is allowed to be at the beaches on the stipulated dates.
• On the open days, beaches will be opened from 09:00 to 18:00.
• The community should note that a limited number of people will be allowed at the beaches on the dates not stipulated.

Mbele says the abuse of alcohol lead to fights and road crashed due to people who are drinking and driving adding that innocent lives have been lost while others have been left severely injured or paralysed due to alcohol abuse.