80% of crime in Motherwell linked to alcohol

Eighty percent of crimes committed in South Africa's third most populous township - Motherwell in Port Elizabeth - are alcohol-related, said police on Sunday.

Motherwell station commander Keith Meyer said that the 13 square kilometre township has 106 licensed taverns and many illegal shebeens.

“Apart from drunken driving and drunk and disorderly arrests, seven armed robbers were arrested for holding up a Somali-owned shop. The men, ranging in age from 18 to 26, will appear in court (on Monday). Another man was arrested after being found in possession of stolen goods, weapons and cash,” said Meyer.

Meanwhile, a 19-year old man was arrested in Nellmapius, near Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, after he allegedly stabbed to death another man following an argument over a girlfriend. Police spokesperson Shawane Sepato said the argument between the two men started in a tavern in the area.

Sepato said one man stabbed the other with a sharp object. The man was certified dead upon his arrival at hospital. Police arrested 145 suspects for various crimes during a crime operation in the Mamelodi cluster.

Sepato says suspects were arrested for crimes including possession of dagga, assault, possession of stolen motor vehicles and the possession of firearms and ammunition. (from IOL)

It really does not make sense to be arresting people for possession of cannabis when on the polices own version alcohol causes 80% of the crime!!! How about arresting some people for public drunkeness, or closing down illegal drinking establishments? This makes me wonder - Who is in charge of licencing 109 taverns in 13 square kilometres?

You can pick up a copy of the application at the South African Library and the application cost a whole R100. (Cape Gateway)

The Department of Trade and Industry is in charge of the Liquor Act. (the dti's liquor act page)