GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT NEWS - The Western Cape Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, made it clear in a press release this morning that looting of stores will not be tolerated.
This after several food stores in Cape Town, as well as a number of liquor stores, were looted over the last few days.
Fritz said it is already a struggle to put food on the table. “At present, we find ourselves facing a humanitarian crisis because of the lockdown and the economic challenges that follow are only going to exacerbate these challenges further.”
He urged all residents to abide by the law at all times.
Safer premises
To prevent further looting of liquor stores, the police has advised the Department of Community Safety that liquor should be transported to safer premises. Under the minister’s instruction, the Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) wrote to the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt-Gen Yolisa Matakata, requesting that the police support liquor license holders in transporting liquor from their licensed premises.
Fritz said after consulting the police’s legal services the necessary protocol was established and has since been communicated to all police station commanders. It was requested that licensees who have identified the risk of their premises being looted, be allowed to move the liquor to a place of safety.
“To date, the police and the WCLA have approved 31 notices for the transporting of liquor to safer premises, the majority of which have already been transported.”
Disciplinary steps
Fritz has asked the WCLA to ensure that disciplinary steps are taken toward outlets that contravene the lockdown conditions. Trespassers should be liable for a maximum fine of up to R115 610 or have their license revoked permanently, subject to investigation, he said. “I further welcome the resolution taken by Provjoints on 25 March that no alcohol will be returned to any outlet after paying an admission of guilt fine.”
Fritz urged members of the public who are aware of the illegal sale of alcohol in the Western Cape to immediately report it to the police.
Any persons wanting to lodge a complaint or report a contravention of the regulations can contact the WCLA’s Contact Centre on 021 204 9805.
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