CITY BOOZE BUST

A MASSIVE R2-million fine might be slapped on an Empangeni Rail liquor outlet for selling alcohol over the weekend in contravention of the National Disaster Management Act.

A store manager was arrested on Saturday during a police raid, which was attended by KZN MEC for Transport , Community Safety, and Liaison, Bheki Ntuli.

‘If it is found that the outlet was using a fake permit, it might also lose its liquor licence in addition to the hefty fine,’ Ntuli said.

The raid was carried out after the King Cetshwayo police cluster conducted a roadblock along the N2 near Canefields earlier in the day and discovered several motorists in possession of large quantities of alcohol, collectively worth more than R100 000.

‘They told us they own liquor stores and were stocking up for next week.

‘We did not arrest them, but took statements and will now verify their permits and licences,’ said Ntuli.

‘But, while taking down the statements, the motorists revealed where they bought their supplies, which led police to a specific Empangeni liquor outlet and the arrest of the store manager.

‘I have spoken to the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and she undertook to send officials to carry out verification of the licence and trading permit of this liquor store.

‘If it is discovered that the permit is fake, the store’s licence will be revoked and the shop closed permanently,’ said Ntuli.

He again emphasised that according to the lockdown regulations, no outlets are allowed to sell alcohol on Fridays and during weekends.

‘The store manager told us he only sold liquor to licence holders, but Police Minister Bheki Cele made it clear that no alcohol may be sold or transported in vehicles during weekends.’

Ntuli added it was also discovered that several other liquor outlets around Empangeni are violating the lockdown regulations.

‘I won’t mention names at this stage, but we know who they are and will soon clamp down on them.’

Ntuli also expressed concern about the alarming increase of gender-based violence, crime and road accidents after the lifting of the alcohol ban.

‘While alcohol was banned, we only had six accidents, but in the two weeks since the lifting of the ban, 72 accidents were reported and about 60 people lost their lives on our roads.’

‘Reckless driving is again rearing its ugly head.’