Illegal drinking spots havens of violent crimes

Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected] 

POLICE and health authorities have expressed concern over the growing incidents of violent crimes including murder and assault cases involving use of dangerous weapons linked to excessive intake of alcohol mainly at illegal drinking spots.

This comes as official reports suggest that imbibers account for most of the life-threatening crimes and casualties in public hospitals.

Reports from police indicate that many lives have been lost during or after a beer binge as a result of failure to restrain oneself during misunderstandings. 

In some of the reports, members of the public have sustained life-threatening injuries following the use of objects like knives, machetes, stones and axes. 

Research has shown a reciprocal relationship between excessive alcohol use and violence, suggesting that alcohol use may promote aggressiveness while victims of the violence may be led to drinking more following physical harm. 

Studies also suggest that the more a person drinks, the more violent he or she becomes.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, said law enforcement officers were concerned about the prevalence of assault, attempted murder and murder cases that emanate from illegal beer drinking spots. 

“Police in Bulawayo are concerned about assaults, attempted murder and murder cases that emanate from shebeens as they account for most of the cases we are recording,” he said. 

“In January we had a murder case that occurred outside a hotel involving people who were coming from a beer drink. In February, in Pumula North, there was an attempted murder just outside a bottle store. 

“So far, we have recorded three attempted murder cases and one murder case, which occurred in Pumula South last month. It’s worrying to see the rate at which these illegal drinking spots are sprouting in Bulawayo,” he said. 

Insp Ncube said members of the public should drink responsibly and respect life. 

“Those who run these beer outlets should at least control the behaviour of their patrons. Residents are also alleging that criminals seek refuge at illegal drinking spots and then commit crimes at night,” he said.

A total of 90 penetrating trauma cases were recorded at Mpilo Central Hospital early this year, forcing doctors and other supporting staff to work long hours to conduct urgent surgeries to save lives.

Penetrating trauma occurs when a foreign object pierces the skin and enters the body creating a wound and this includes stabbing with a spear, knife or cutting of the skin with a machete. 

Mpilo clinical director, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, said a majority of the casualties are victims of a beer binge that go wrong. He said in some instances some patients had died upon admission due to alcohol intoxication, which was a worrying trend. 

“We continue to witness a worrying trend where patients’ lives are put at risk due to alcohol and of late we have seen a number die just by intoxication. On the other hand, we have patients who are rushed in after suffering from penetrative trauma following altercations during beer binges, something which is very unnecessary as it eats into our resources,” he said.

“Long-term effects of alcohol abuse include starving families just to fund addiction and known effects such as liver damage, the shrinking of brain and testicles in men. 

“People who are careless in their drinking tend to become violent hence the prevalence of domestic abuse and these behaviours are closely linked to several psychiatric illnesses. 

Prof Ngwenya said besides penetrative trauma and deaths, those who are careless in imbibing have blared judgment and may put themselves at risk of sexually transmitted diseases. 

“As healthcare workers, we don’t encourage the use of alcohol but those who do it should take it in moderation and ensure they don’t become intoxicated,” he said. 

“Even culturally our ancestors used to drink on special occasions but the level of carelessness exhibited by today’s imbibers is far from our Ubuntu ideals,” said Prof Ngwenya. 

“Drinkers should work towards reducing unnecessary admissions at health institutions so that scarce resources can be saved for emergencies. To those who claim they indulge in order to solve problems, I say they should return to their roots and establish strong family values whose foundation is laid on extended family and openly talking about social problems.”