Cops out in full force for festivities
Authorities are bracing for an influx of visitors to Durban as thousands gear up for New Year’s Day festivities.
|||Durban - Authorities are preparing for an influx of visitors to Durban over the next few days as thousands gear up for New Year’s Day festivities on the beaches and in nightclubs.
Police and metro police will be out in full force, manning boom gates, monitoring crime from horseback, watching the crowds from CCTV cameras dotted along the beachfront, and in plain clothes among the throngs.
On the shoreline, more than 200 lifeguards will be stationed at bathing areas, while child minders and “beach buddies” will care for children separated from their parents.
“We are ready for anything,” Metro police spokesman, S’bonelo Mchunu, said on Wednesday. “All our officers will be out in force. With the South African Police Service, we will be monitoring hotspots and ensuring people’s safety. We have planned roadblocks throughout the city and will not tolerate drinking and driving.
“Our message to people coming to the beaches and who plan to celebrate New Year’s Day is to abide by the rules, don’t drink and drive, and enjoy your holiday,” he said.
Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality’s Festive Season Management Committee (Fesmac) said between Christmas and last Sunday nearly 500 000 people visited the city beaches.
Chairman of Fesmac, Sibusiso Mkhwanazi, commended the Durban Solid Waste team for their outstanding work and for ensuring visitors were able to enjoy themselves in a clean, safe environment.
“More people are expected to arrive to enjoy Durban’s New Year celebrations. Beachgoers are advised to swim in designated areas and to co-operate with the lifeguards,” said eThekwini spokeswoman, Tozi Mthethwa.
Daily News