Alcohol abuse is the main cause of contact crime

This was revealed by the Tzaneen Cluster Police Commander, Brigadier Thomas Shigange during a meeting with the Modjadji Royal Council at Khetlhakone of Friday.

Shingange said statistics show strong evidence of an association between the abuse of alcohol and contact crimes which include murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, assault resulting in grievous bodily harm, common assault and robbery.

“As police we cannot stand idly by and allow alcohol abuse to destroy the communities. Together with all stakeholders we will explore every avenue that may lead to the eradication of crimes caused by alcohol abuse,” said Shigange.

Shigange said public drinking particularly among young people, is an area of growing concern within the community.

He said that gone are the days when those arrested for drinking in public were issued an admission of guilt fine of R100.

“If you are arrested for public drinking you would now have to contest the charges brought against you by the prosecution. If you plead guilty you will pay a fine of R500 and would get a criminal record against your name,” he said.

He further said the criminal records will remain against their names for a long period or until such time as an application to expunge is made.

He added that the police are working with the Liquor Board to close down liquor outlets that are not complying with the liquor laws.

He urged members of the public to help report illegal liquor outlets that are not complying with their licenses.