GEORGE NEWS - Serious concerns have been raised by residents of Ramaphosa in Zone 6, Thembalethu after a second murder at a popular local tavern last month.
Sinethemba Buda (24) died inside the tavern in Tabata Street at 02:45 on Sunday morning, 22 January, after he was stabbed several times.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Christ Spies said a 24-year-old suspect handed himself over to police in Thembalethu on Tuesday evening. The suspect is still in custody and will appear in court once charged.
Spies added that circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation and the motive is unknown.
George Herald reached out to Buda's father on Tuesday, but the family was busy with funeral arrangements at local funeral services at the time, and could not be reached afterwards, before going to print.
The investigation officer, Warrant Officer Esmerelda Jackson, urged the public to come forward with any information. Contact her on 079 894 1576 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
On 31 December 2022, Anesipho Mtyukwini (24) was also stabbed to death on the premises. A 32-year-old woman was arrested in connection with this incident.
A local resident that George Herald spoke to said an online petition was started to close down the tavern as it has no security measures in place. Those who want to sign the petition can find the link to the petition here.
"Patrons aren't searched upon arrival, underage children frequent the place and very little is done by the owner to address these issues. We have tried to address this with him, but with no success. It is after all the owner's responsibility to ensure that patrons are safe. The safety of the patrons should come first, not profits.
"Our problems and focus is not only on this place, but all other places of entertainment in Thembalethu that do not adhere to the rules of the law. Our people need to be safe when they are out enjoying themselves," the resident said.
George Herald tried to get contact details for the owner, but was unsuccessful.
Residents also complained that though the issue has been brought to the attention of the police, nothing is been done.
Spies said they have noted concerns raised by the community pertaining to liquor-licenced premises not adhering to conditions attached to their licences, especially pertaining to juveniles frequenting these premises.
"The police conducts regular compliance inspections at liquor-licenced premises and more were done as part of the recent operations under the theme 'More boots on the ground towards enhanced police visibility'.
"These are ongoing operations to safeguard communities. The police also urge the public to report premises which do not follow the relevant protocols to Designated Liquor Licence Officers, placed at the relevant police stations, for formal enquiries into the fitness of licence holders to be instituted," he said.
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