Peleng raids uncover shebeens, unknown brews
Tumelo Mouwane | Thursday June 15, 2017 16:01
Peleng customary court president, Kgosi Segele Letshele, said the discoveries confirmed concerns about rising drunkenness, assaults and gender-based violence in the area.
During the dawn raids, a 42-year-old woman was found selling an unknown concoction early in the morning, surrounded by patrons. “We conducted the raid after being disturbed by the growing trend of alcohol related gender violence and common theft cases,” Letshele said.
“We busted a number of unlicensed shebeens including the 42 year-old woman who was selling an unknown concoction. “Early in the morning we found customers there and this is a very disturbing trend.
“We expect people to be productive early in the mornings but what we found was completely disturbing.”
Letshele said cases of violence at drinking spots in Peleng have reached alarming levels. “Gender-based violence cases are a great concern in Peleng and we are always mediating these cases every day.
“The issues a have reached an alarming level,” he said. In 2017 alone, 26 cases of gender-based violence have reached the Peleng customary court whilst others go unreported, Letshele said.
Many of these unreported cases happen in illegal drinking spots. “Most of these cases happen at odd times of the night with victims and perpetrators under the influence of unknown concoctions made within residential areas.
“People are not taking medication properly and on time and some even go to the extent of visiting health facilities whilst intoxicated.
“Homesteads here have lost dignity. Children do not even have a chance to do their homework because of the noise and wayward behaviour by intoxicated parents before their children.
“We cannot expect children to do well in their academics in such circumstances. We are on our toes to address the situation,” Letshele said.