Mpho Dube

The provincial deputy police commissioner, Maj-Gen Berning Ntlemeza, has vowed police would prioritise problematic hotspots this year in an effort to curb crime and make communities safer.

He was reacting to the fines issued to 82 people for drinking in public and the arrest of four for driving under the influence of ­liquor at the weekend.

Police, in conjunction with the provincial liquor board, raided legal and illegal liquor outlets in Polokwane, Mankweng, Seshego, ­Thohoyandou and Ritavi.

Four taverns, one in ­Mankweng and three in Thohoyandou were closed down after they were found not to be adhering to ­conditions as set out in their ­liquor licences.

“These ­taverns have proved to be ­problematic with several fines issued to them in the past,” said Ntlemeza. Police said a further 110 ­liquor outlet owners were fined for ­noncompliance with the ­Liquor Act.

mphod@thenewage.co.za