Police warn against incorrect public drinking information
SOPHIATOWN – The Sophiatown Police Station is determined to set the record straight after an incorrect rumour spreads in their policing area.
The Sophiatown Police Station has issued a reminder to residents in their policing area about drinking alcohol and being under the influence.
According to the spokesperson for the Sophiatown Police Station, Warrant Officer Tj de Bruyn, a rumour has been going around that has reached the station about the law being changed regarding public drinking.
De Bruyn confirmed that laws have not changed and that police will arrest any person found drinking in public or found intoxicated in public.
“According to the law, no person may consume liquor in any public place, nor in a motor vehicle driven on a public road or parked in a public area,” De Bruyn explained.
Places recognised as public include any road, street, alley, park, market, shop, warehouse or public garage – to name a few.
“The Sophiatown police view this [public drinking and intoxication] in a very serious light,” he said.
De Bruyn said in addition to warning people against listening to false rumours, he would like the public to know that it is very much illegal to gamble in public as well as unlicensed gambling areas.
He explained that even the smallest amount gambled with will result in an arrest.
Other acts punishable along the same lines include:
- Urinating in public
- Disturbing the peace
- Flashing or showing one’s genitalia in public.
De Bruyn explained that the Sophiatown Police Station will henceforth have a zero-tolerance attitude towards those found intoxicated, drinking and/or gambling in public.
If you suspect wrongful information is being spread, contact the Sophiatown Police Station on 011 670 6300 to obtain correct information.
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