THE long weekend coupled with the sunshine synonymous with Durban has seen thousands of beachgoers enjoying the Durban coast.
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said the city had received numerous compliments on the sterling effort of law enforcement personnel but regretted thes three incidents that had occurred over the long weekend.
Mayisela said an official from Durban Solid Waste (DSW) was assaulted on 15 December in the vicinity of Blue Lagoon.
“The official who was on duty cleaning the area was physically assaulted and his keys taken away as he tried to get back into his vehicle. Metro Police gave chase but were unable to apprehend the person due to the large crowds that they had to manoeuvre through,” he said.
The two other incidents occurred on 16 December where a woman under the influence of alcohol got into a vehicle and knocked down a student Traffic Warden.
She then proceeded to knock into two other vehicles. She was arrested and detained, and a case of drunken, reckless and negligent driving was opened. In the third incident, a Metro Police officer was assaulted by three men while he was dealing with them drinking in public. The individuals have been arrested.
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“The Municipality will not hesitate to arrest any persons found to be disobeying the rules of designated public spaces and who choose to assault any other persons or Municipal personnel who are trying to do their jobs. Those caught transgressing will be brought to book,” said Mayisela.
He urged residents and tourists to co-operate with municipal staff to ensure an incident free festive period, and to obey all officials on duty.
Mayisela said while enjoying public spaces, don’t drink and drive or drink and swim or drink in these public places, do not swim at night and when there are no lifeguards on duty, do not take animals to the beach unless permitted, do not swim along the piers, and do not swim at night. Bathing hours on central beaches are between 6am and 6.30pm.
“The City is committed to maximizing its efforts to ensure everyone has an enjoyable incident free holiday. Additional staff have been deployed to keep high traffic areas especially on the beachfront and surrounds areas safe, clean and litter free,” said Mayisela.
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