PUMULA lawmaker Sichelesile Mahlangu (CCC) has expressed concern over a rise in murder cases, especially at drinking spots in the constituency.
She called on local bar owners to enhance security measures at their premises to prevent crime and ensure public safety.
Speaking to Southern Eye, Mahlangu said most criminal activities and murder cases happening in the area were a result of alcohol abuse.
“If you notice, most of these murders and criminal activities that have been happening in the area are mostly done by young people. They are being controlled by alcohol.
“These days, alcohol is very cheap, with just US$1, one can get two bottles. They drink without even diluting, resulting in them acting dangerously.
“One big challenge is the issue of unemployment. Most of these young people are not employed, hence they end up resorting to alcohol.”
She said they had engaged bottle store owners not to allow young people to access alcohol from their outlets.“The issue is not only murder cases, even sexual activities are being done in public, all this under the influence of alcohol. We have said bottle store owners should try to tighten their security by putting security guards on the entrances who will make sure no young person enters,” the MP said.
Mahlangu said the leadership of the community was monitoring activities at the drinking spots and bar owners who failed to abide by their pleas would be reported to the police.
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Bulawayo acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed that most murder cases happening in the city are a result of arguments that would have started in beer halls.
“Most of these murder cases we receive are a result of fights that would have started during alcohol drinking sprees. We encourage members of the public to refrain from carrying weapons when they are moving around,” she said.
Msebele also urged bottle store and bar owners to conduct searches on everyone entering the outlets for any weapons which include knives and screwdrivers, among other things.
She said bar owners should comply with the provisions in their licence in terms of closing times, while encouraging residents to tip the police in case there is a bar that does not close on time.
