Zero tolerance to alcohol abuse on the roads, beaches this festive season
Traffic officials are warning that anyone caught driving or swimming at beaches under the influence of alcohol - will be locked up immediately.
eThekwini Metro Police spokesperson, Sibonelo Mchunu, was speaking at the city's event in Tongaat, north of Durban - where the festive season's safety plans were revealed.
eThekwini Mayor, Zandile Gumede, and her deputy Fawzia Peer, were joined by members of Metro Police, eThekwini Fire, Emergency Medical Services, lifesavers and various other service providers - who demonstrated their readiness for the 2016 festive season.
Mchunu says the city has increased their manpower.
"The by-laws are strict. There's no alcohol abuse in the beaches. You can only enjoy your alcohol in the designated areas. People who break the by-laws will be prosecuted . That information has been put in all areas where no alcohol is acceptable. So we urge people to go to the designated areas and enjoy themselves. And finally no drinking and driving," he said.
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Meanwhile, there have been six reported drownings so far this month in KwaZulu-Natal.
Acting Manager for Aquatic Safety, Jace Govender, reiterated Mchunu's sentiments of alcohol being a major problem.
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Govender says they are prepared for the influx of holidaymakers - but urged people to abide by the rules and comply with the laws.
"Alcohol seems to be a major contributor to people misbehaving, near drownings, and also parents that leave their kids unattended to. There are a large number of kids that are separated from their parents. We want parents to take the responsibility to watch over their kids when they come to the beach and at all times," he said.
