He revealed that when those who live next to the lodge complained about disturbances at night, the police, the tourism department and bye-law officers conferred with the lodge managers and issued a warning.
"We warned and cautioned that operating the business as alleged by neighbours was like playing with fire. We told them about the seriousness of the offence and how they are violating the conditions of their licence. However, if Kesmo persists in running (their business) that way, then they will be calling for action. Such unlawful practice could either result in the forfeiting of the lodge licence or refusal to renew it," he said.
German national Schulte Brinke whose house is next to the lodge says that neighbours lodged a complaint with the council after failed attempts to negotiate peace with the lodge management. "We first complained to the lodge manager but the noise continued," he said. He added that
every Friday and Saturday, a DJ would be engaged to play loud music either at the lodge backyard or indoors. Patrons arrive at the lodge after bar closing hours and enjoy themselves till morning.
"I wouldn't have minded if they were not making noise that kept us sleepless all night long. Two or three hundred cars belonging to their clients park in front of our yards, blocking entry into our homes. Some of the clients remained outside the lodge where they played car radio music full blast. At times night revellers engage in fights. Cans and beer bottles come flying into my yard making noise as if the fight is taking place right at my bedroom window," he said.
Brinke added that the noise does not only disturb his family from sleep but affects his wife who is a nurse who sometimes goes for night duty. At times, because of blocked entrances, those who live near the lodge have to park their cars outside their compounds.
Simon Bojosi who lives near the lodge was disappointed by the way the police and other law enforcement authorities responded to their situation. He said whenever the noise started, the affected neighbours woke up and sought help from police but in vain.
"But the sad thing is that in most cases when we passed by the guest house, the same people whom we were heading to seek help from would be there partaking in the gig. I remember how one day I lost my temper and screamed at a soldier whom I found boozing, dancing and holding a woman with a gun slung on his back. That was pathetic," he said.
He revealed that the lodge has moved to mend its ways after the intervention of the council and only plays loud music on rare occasions.
The lodge manager Moalosi Sebati blames the press for writing falsehoods that taint the reputation of his business. The aggressive manager said he has no truck with the press and called journalists liars. "There is no comment from us because we have never seen any neighbour coming to complain here or received any written complaint from the council. Get the hell out of this place I don't want to see any media here," he shouted when Mmegi sought his comment.
