Non-compliant liqour outlets closed in Primrose
The SAPS had 160 convictions during the previous financial year.
The Primrose CPF led the way when stakeholders closed down non-compliant liquor outlets in Primrose during a week-long operation that started on March 13.
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This follows a community meeting held on March 11 at Sunnyridge Primary School.
The CPF, security stakeholders, the EMPD, the SAPS, the Gauteng Liquor Board, health inspectors and town planning conducted random operations to check liquor licenses and compliance.
According to the chairperson of the CPF, Tracy Enslin, the stakeholders felt compelled to call the meeting because of the rise in crime, illegal connections, and the hijacking of buildings in Primrose.
“Residents were advised to strengthen their security systems because house break-ins are also a concern,” said Enslin.
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“The residents must alert the SAPS, the CPF, and security companies to suspicious people or vehicles on their streets.
“We also discussed the whistle system that the CPF and SAPS implemented.
“When a crime takes place, blow the whistle to warn all the neighbours to help. The metal whistles are sold by the CPF for R10 each.
“The number of contact crimes is also rising. People are cautioned not to walk alone or with visible items like cellphones or earphones in public.”
The CPF congratulated the SAPS on its 160 convictions during the previous financial year, which ended this month.
“They also made 35 arrests in February, and so far in March, they have made 23 arrests overall, with 18 of those connected to drugs,” she said.
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She encouraged the community to continue reporting cases to the SAPS.
“The challenge we face is with residents who do not want to give a statement, open a case or appear in court. People must stop withdrawing cases. This creates a massive problem for the CPF, security stakeholders and the SAPS.
“We cannot detain or arrest a suspect if a citizen is not prepared to open a case.
“The community is encouraged to report all crimes and open cases no matter how small the crime is,” said Enslin.
Non-compliant liquor stores
“The Gauteng Liquor Board will assist with the non-compliant establishments. We have met with the board and inspectors and will conduct regular checks on all liquor establishments.
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“There are too many liquor establishments in Primrose, and according to the Liquor Act, we should not have similar liquor outlets within 500m of each other or near schools, churches and so forth,” said Enslin.
“The operation was successful. We closed down a restaurant due to non-compliance, and it has 14 days to rectify and reapply for re-inspection and to re-open. Four fines were issued for non-compliance, and one pub license is under investigation,” said Enslin.
Primrose SAPS corporate communications Sergeant Styles Maome said there is a manpower shortage at the station because experienced officers have retired and were not replaced.
“The K9 units from the SAPS and EMPD are always on standby to help us with drug-related matters in Primrose. We are also running illegal mining operations that have yielded results.”
According to Maome, when an illegal sheebeen in the informal settlement is shut down, the offender pays an admission of guilt fine and is released without appearing in court.
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“If an offender has paid an admission of guilt fine three times, he must appear in court if he offends again.
“We encourage people to continue working with the police and to report crime,” said Maome.
