INLSA
Gearing up for New Years Eve are Dorencia and Ricola Pillay, seen at Suncoast Casino in Durban. Picture: Terry HaYwood
Wendy Jasson da Costa and Kyle Venktess
WHILE revellers prepare to let their hair down tomorrow night to herald in the new year, at least 500 metro police officers will be on duty along Durban’s beachfront.
Spokesman Eugene Msomi urged motorists to be extra careful, adding that a significant number of fatal accidents involved drunken pedestrians.
“We will have more officers on the streets and we intend to have elevated mobile units to deal with street parties. We have medical practitioners on duty to draw blood from drunken-driving suspects and related issues,” he said.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Vincent Mdunge said no police officers would be on leave in the province tomorrow, New Year’s Eve.
“More police officers have been stationed in the city centre, in rural areas as well as townships.
“We will have roadblocks to check for drugs, firearms, human trafficking and drunk drivers. We also have new high-performance vehicles that will be deployed throughout KZN,” he said.
In Ballito, Savanna and 5FM will have a live link-up with a similar party at the Waterfront in Cape Town. Entertainment includes 5FM DJs and performing artists like Goodluck, Niskerone, Gareth Devore, the Spindoctor, G Funk and Justin Miller. Revellers will have to fork out between R250 and R800 each.
The Fact Durban Rocks New Year’s Eve party will take place at Moses Mabhida People’s Park with capacity for 10 000 people.
Big names such as DJ Bongs, Big Nuz, Professor and DJ Tira are set to entertain the crowds. Tickets are on sale through Computicket at R165 or R200 at the door.
For something more lavish, the Oyster Box in Umhlanga is offering a special menu and music by the Stuart May band in its Grill Room for R1 250 a person.
Coastlands on the Ridge will be hosting a Samba carnival at 8pm. At R500 a head, patrons will be welcomed with sparkling wine and oysters while a live band, DJ and hot and cold buffet will see them through the night.
