POLICE confiscated booze at a liquor outlet in the Pretoria CBD on Sunday night, 31 December.
The cops left people disappointed and with dashed New Year's Eve plans.
The enforcement operation, led by Tshwane district police commissioner Major-General Azwinndini Nengovhela, targeted undocumented foreigners and uncovered that the outlet had no valid liquor licence.
Nengovhela emphasised the importance of responsible celebration and urged compliance with the law.
Several arrests were made, including those for public drinking, undocumented foreigners, and a person in Mamelodi caught in possession of drugs.
Nengovhela announced the closure of three shebeens operating without proper documentation, highlighting the need for legal adherence.
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"This is a crime prevention operation. A festive season operation aimed to ensure there's peace, stability, and harmony during the time when people are enjoying themselves," he said.
Disappointment patrons witnessed police loading confiscated alcohol into vans.
"We're appealing to the community to work hand in hand with police," said Nengovhela.
He warned that repeat offenders would face intervention from the liquor board if they continued to operate without a valid licence.
Some of the boozers said they would go around looking for open shebeens so that they could celebrate the cross-over.
In response to the enforcement, some community members welcomed the police presence, believing it would contribute to a reduction in crime.
