By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
On-site liquor traders who fail to comply with stipulated trading hours, security measures and operational regulations as contemplated under the Mpumalanga Liqour Licensing Act, will be dealt with harshly.
This was said by Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism(DEDT), Makhosazane Masilela, as she revealed a plan to collaborate with the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator(MER) in ensuring that liqour traders adhere to licensing conditions in order to avoid incidents that lead instances such as a loss of lives.
Masilela was lividly reacting to the recent atrocious incident in which 8 patrons were brutally shot and killed outside a tavern in Pienaar, outside the City of Mbombela, in the early hours of Saturday 11 January 2025.
According to the MEC, reports reveal that the incident occurred outside operating hours, as per the license condition of the tavern in question.
“ I have already instructed MER to urgently embark on a process of verifying information related to compliance matters, concerning the establishment in question. As per the mandate of the Department, this process will focus primarily on verifying and reviewing whether the outlet has contravened any of its licensing conditions,” said Masilela.
“ We remain committed to ensure accountability. Our action will also send a strong message to other tavern owners that if you do not comply, the consequences will be calamitous,” Masilela added.
The MEC expressed concern as the shooting incident occurred after the Department hosted the historic Provincial Liqour Indaba last year.
She said the Liqour Indaba served as a vital step towards enhancing engagement between DEDT and the liqour industry, also aimed at fostering a more sustainable and responsible sector that supports growth as well as prioritising the health and safety of its communities.
“ As a shareholder of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, DEDT is committed to fostering a sustainable and responsible liquor industry that contributes positively to both the economy and the well-being of our communities,” she said.
Masilela extended her deepest prayers and condolences to the bereaved families, friends and the entire community of Pienaar who were affected by the incident.
She called the incident “senseless and barbaric”, and implored law enforcement agencies to arrest the perpetrators so that they can receive the “harshest possible punishment”.
“ In fact, the perpetrators must rot in jail,” concluded Masilela.
Caption: MEC Masilela calls for liqour traders to honour licensing conditions
Caption: Outside the tavern in Pienaar where eight people were shot and killed
