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Festive 'lala vuka' saved youth's lives – Marathe

With bars operating until 6 am and almost every village had night entertainment, FILE PIC
With bars operating until 6 am and almost every village had night entertainment, FILE PIC

Police have described the temporary extension of liquor trading hours during the 2025–2026 festive season as a commendable move, saying it helped reduce incidents of drunken driving as revellers were able to access entertainment closer to their homes.

On December 19, 2025, the government gazetted the Liquor Amendment Regulations, 2025, allowing liquor outlets to operate from 10 am until 6 am the following morning. The regulations were effective from December 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026, covering all days of the week, including public holidays.

Reflecting on Operation Pabalesego II’s key achievements, including its impact on crime trends, public safety, and community confidence, Police Commissioner Dinah Marathe said the extended liquor operating hours played a positive role in discouraging drink-driving, particularly amongst the youth.

Editor's Comment
Mabogo dinku a thebana

According to both the acting director of Veterinary Services, Kobedi Segale and acting Lands and Agriculture minister, Edwin Dikoloti, the virus currently raging through the North-East mostly likely first entered the country during the festive season.From the “unprecedented” number of cases picked in testing last week, it is likely that cattle and other livestock could have been infected last year, without being reported.Animal health...

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