Durban’s policing authorities announced on Tuesday that they would be going all out to prevent a repeat of last year’s festive season when three women were raped in the paddling pools in broad daylight.
Both the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the eThekwini Metro Police responsible for the city’s Golden Mile beachfront area during the festive season, have said that extra officers would be deployed. There would also be a ”zero tolerance” towards those consuming too much alcohol.
Director Aaron Harry declined to disclose how many extra officers would be brought in for the festive period.
”We don’t have numbers for you, but it will vary from day to day and depending on our specific needs at a specific time. We have to keep the element of surprise [over criminals],” he said.
SAPS deployments would peak on December 16, December 25 and over the New Year.
Metro police said extra officers would be also deployed in the city centre.
The rest of the city would not be understaffed as a result of the extra deployments along the beaches.
Vehicles’ access to the beachfront would be severely curtailed as roads would be closed off to all motorists except residents and emergency services.
Christo Swart, the deputy head of the city’s festive season management committee, said night bathing has been banned and those caught bathing after dark would be fined.
Last year there were a number of incidents reported where inebriated people went swimming at night with tragic consequences.
Tents with ”separated children” signs would be erected at numerous beaches for lost children to be claimed by their parents. More than 40 portable toilets would also be provided along the Golden Mile. – Sapa