Speaking at a meeting at Yeoville Recreation Centre, between the police and liquor traders, Ward 67 councillor Sihlwele Myeki said he and the police had received numerous complaints from residents about issues ranging from noise pollution, illegal trading and immoral activities that occur in outlets showing non-compliance with the licence restrictions and environmental health. Opening the meeting Myeki said, “We are not here to point fingers to anyone, but we want to make sure that everyone has the interest of the community at heart. “We always receive complaints from the community about all these issues. We are pleading with you to work with the community, let’s not drive the community to a point whereby they revolt against your businesses. In some liquor stores, there are drug dealings, prostitution and violence. We don’t need that in our community.”
He said once the people were tired of taking legal routes, they might find an undesirable way of dealing with liquor traders who don’t comply with the law. “They might use physical force with you, which is not nice to anyone. You must also monitor yourselves.” Meanwhile one of the traders stated that he was not aware that noise pollution was a crime until the previous meeting they had with another councillor from another ward, but one of the traders dismissed his claims as untrue. Meanwhile Yeoville Police Station Commander Colonel Mpe Motaung reminded the traders that if they continue to allow illegal activities like drug dealing in their premises, police with valid evidence can pursue an action of confiscation of the property. Motaung said, “Law allows the state to confiscate your guesthouse if there is enough evidence of people operating on drug dealings in your property.”
He also asked the traders to enhance security for their patrons by highlighting the incident of a woman who was found dead in one of the guesthouses in the area. “We can’t fight crime alone, we need you to meet us halfway.” It was also noted that regular offenders did not attend the meeting. One of the traders asked the police to use force if need be. Captain Veli Mtshali who deals with liquor issues said, “If there is a need for us to use force we will use force.”
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