Shebeens closed, mobile roadblocks for city

There will be no place to hide for those who intend on speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and other unlawful behaviour in the city this weekend, as the City Police are gearing up to ensure roads are safe and shebeens are closed tomorrow.
The City Police have warned that shebeens may not operate at all tomorrow, except for those with special licences. Tomorrow is Heroes’ Day, and a long weekend for many who sometimes see a Friday public holiday as a chance to engage in excessive alcohol consumption. The City Police will conduct patrols around Windhoek for the entire weekend.
Yesterday, City Police spokesperson Cillie Auala said shebeens may not operate at all, except those with special licences, and even those are expected to strictly comply with the operational hours stipulated in the licence.
Although they are few, shebeens and bars with special licences are often allowed to operate on public holidays but with restricted operating hours.
Auala said mobile roadblocks will be set up in and around the city, where officers will stop and check vehicles for roadworthiness, driving licences and professional driving permits for public transport, including taxis.
“In addition, the breath-alcohol testing team will be deployed to allow officers to expedite the process of charging a person with driving under the influence of alcohol,” Auala said.
Urging motorists to ensure that all their outstanding warrants of arrest for unpaid traffic violations are settled before travelling, Auala said warrant of arrest screenings will also be conducted.
She added that the City Police will be conducting intensive patrols, starting tomorrow and ending Monday. “The purpose of this operation is to promote road safety and to ensure a zero tolerance approach to lawlessness,” she said.
“As Namibia prepares to commemorate Heroes’ Day, the City Police would like to caution the pubic to be extra vigilant during this period, and not make themselves easy targets for crime. If you are going out of town, please do not leave your house unoccupied. If so, please make sure that your property is well protected and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or keeping same at your residential or business premises,” she warned.
GORDON JOSEPH