The Eastern Cape government has formally requested a lockdown ban on the sale of alcohol be reinstated.
Besides being a threat to the healthcare system’s COVID-19 response, officials cited a surge in violent crime as a reason why the sale of liquor should be prohibited.
The Eastern Cape has the second-highest number of COVID-19 infections with 12.5% of South Africa’s cases.
A report released by the Eastern Cape COVID-19 command council showed that from 1 June to 7 June, 94 murder cases were recorded in the province.
There were also 42 attempted murders, 354 assaults and 77 rapes.
The premier’s spokesperson, Mvusi Sicwetsha, said that reinstating the alcohol ban would help reduce infections as well as protect people’s lives.
“We believe that if we can reintroduce this ban in the province, we can reduce the rate of infection because having this situation where people are breaking these laws, it puts their lives at risk and it makes quite a few people vulnerable to infections.”
Officials said that serious crimes committed last week could be directly or indirectly linked to the abuse of liquor.
More Stories
NDZ Calls On Ramaphosa To Step Aside
Phala Phala Panel Finds Ramaphosa May Have Questions To Answer
Only Those Charged Should Step Aside – ANC
Justice Minister Will Decide On Walus
NSPCA Calls For Stronger Regulations
SA’s Unemployment Rate Drops To 32.9% In Third Quarter
DA Western Cape Terminates Masizole Mnqasela’s Membership
I want to serve South Africans – Mkhwebane
SPCA Calls For Responsible Pet Care
Ramaphosa Blames Historical Issues At Eskom
Lindiwe Sisulu Disputes ANC Top 6 Nominations
Ramaphosa Says Waluś Parole Judgment Is Disappointing