Tavern security ‘no match’ for indiscriminate violence, says liquor forum
The Gauteng Liquor Forum says tavern owners cannot be expected to secure their businesses against the level of violence seen at the weekend.
A total of 19 people were shot and killed in two separate shootings in Gauteng over the past weekend.
Two people were killed in Katlehong on the East Rand on Friday night, while in Nomzamo Park in Soweto, 15 people died on the early hours of Sunday morning.
Gauteng's Liquor Forum secretary Musa Ntshangase says the impact of the shootings are devastating.
"The Gauteng Liquor Forum is deeply concerned about the rise in violent crime against tavern owners over the last year, which has escalated over the weekend. It is incomprehensible that liquor outlet operators are being gunned down or robbed, and that innocent patrons are dying as a result.
"These tragic events have had a devastating impact on the entire liquor industry, as well as on the lives and livelihoods of our members and communities.
"While tavern owners have worked hard to improve security, they are simply no match for this level of indiscriminate and violent criminal behaviour. Tavern owners are following government laws and regulations, but it appears that they are being targeted.
"We urge the government and law enforcement agencies to immediately investigate these incidents and speedily apprehend these criminals,” adds Ntshangase.
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