Camps Bay police have warned matric learners that arrests will follow for anyone breaking the law during valedictory celebrations, as officers prepare for another influx of young people to the city’s beaches.
Matric learners traditionally gather at Cape Town’s beaches for valedictory, also known as “ditch day”, parties to mark the end of the school term before their final exams.
The celebrations started on Saturday 3 October, with more than 3 000 young people flocking to Clifton Fourth Beach and Camps Bay main beach.
Camps Bay Police Station commander Cpt Liaan Janse van Rensburg said officers are working with law enforcement, metro police and traffic services to maintain law and order.
Alcohol confiscated
He said alcohol abuse remains the biggest challenge, with about 1 150 units of alcohol confiscated between Clifton Fourth Beach and Camps Bay main beach on Saturday.
Janse van Rensburg urged beachgoers to enjoy the coast responsibly.
“We want you to come and enjoy the beach but leave the alcohol at home. It will be confiscated. Alcohol is dangerous.”
According to Janse van Rensburg, several incidents were reported during the celebrations.
Four young people, aged between 15 and 19, were arrested for assaulting a law enforcement officer while a 16-year-old was arrested after he drove into a law enforcement vehicle.
They appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Monday 5 October, where their cases were postponed to later this month. All four were released into the care of their parents.
He said all the suspects were under the influence of alcohol.
Search continues
Janse van Rensburg said a search is still underway for a 17-year-old boy from Mfuleni who went missing at Maiden’s Cove after getting into difficulty in the water.
He said a missing persons case has been opened for investigation.
He said officers will be out in full force again this weekend.
In a press statement, Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith echoed Janse van Rensburg’s warning.
“Alcohol is not permitted in our bathing areas. More importantly, alcohol impairs judgement, slows reaction times and can dramatically increase the risks associated with swimming, driving and other activities.”
Smith said each year alcohol abuse remains the biggest contributor leading to violent behaviour.
“Every year, too many lives are lost on our roads because of alcohol. If you encounter our enforcement officers on the beach and they confiscate alcohol, understand that it is about more than simply enforcing a by-law. It is about protecting you.”
He said swimming while under the influence of alcohol is dangerous.
“You are the leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, parents and citizens who will shape our city and our country tomorrow. We want you to get there.
“The ocean is one of our city’s greatest treasures, but it demands respect. As with life itself, know your limits, identify the risks and respect the environment and the people around you.”
Smith said his thoughts are with the family of the Mfuleni student who was swept out to sea at Maiden’s Cove.
“Despite an extensive search and rescue operation, all efforts to locate him were unsuccessful. It is a heartbreaking reminder that the ocean can change in an instant.”
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