No holiday for Cele
Minister of Police Bheki Cele and commissioner Khehla Sitole destroy confiscated booze. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/ African News Agency Minister of Police Bheki Cele and commissioner Khehla Sitole destroy confiscated booze. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/ African News Agency
There are no holidays for Police Minister Bheki Cele, who is on the job while most mense are koeling af at the beach.
Beachgoers who descended on Cape Town’s beaches for New Year’s Day got a surprise visit from Cele and provincial Police Commissioner Khombinkosi Jula.
Cele’s walkabout included visits to Monwabisi, Muizenberg, Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, where he interacted with the public as part of the police’s Safer Festive Season operations.
“I am satisfied with security measures placed around Cape Town beaches over the holidays. However, we’re disappointed that we didn’t see children with tags, and some children visiting and playing at the beaches without adult supervision,” he said.
“Trust me, tags help a lot. Another concerning trend is teenagers drinking and swimming.”
On road fatalities, it was not just drinking and driving that was a huge problem, Cele said, but drivers misbehaving on the road, overtaking others when it was unsafe, and driver fatigue.
Commenting on the controversy and protests surrounding Clifton, after private security allegedly removed beachgoers, Cele said police were taking the issue seriously.
“We had to come here and check if the problem is still ongoing,” Cele said. “No one has the right to remove people or hire people to harass other people in a public space.”
Beachgoers have commended the Police Ministry for a strong police presence.
Shumaina Adams from Sherwood Park in Manenberg said: “This is our first time at Clifton beach and we felt safe as there was police visibility and life guards. I came with my family and enjoyed every moment.”
SURPRISE TRIP: Cele visits Clifton. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/ African News Agency
However, another beach-goer, who did not want to be named, was not satisfied with police visibility as she claimed there were people drinking on the beach and drunk drivers on the roads. “I think more can be done to ensure public safety,” she said.
On Wednesday, Cele was on the beat again, destroying all the dop confiscated during raids and searches at illegal shebeens in the Western Cape over December.
About 10 000 litres of alcohol was poured down the drain at SAPS central liquor storage facility in Belhar.
And it didn’t matter if it was larney whisky, either.
“And look here. This is a Glenmorangie. Yes, it is. So, let’s go,” Cele said as he started pouring out the alcohol.
He added: “Most of the stations that bring the high number of [bottles of] liquor that are confiscated are from the same stations that are giving us the high numbers of murder and attempted murder, even sexual assault, and rape.”