SUPPLIED
Top Billing presenter Bonang Matheba and SAMA award-winning musician Lloyd Cele dressed for the Vodacom Durban July.
Durban – Punters attending the Durban July will experience the wrath of the law if they misbehave at Africa’s premier horse racing event this Saturday, with police and organisers promising a “zero tolerance approach” to drunk and disorderly behaviour.
To ensure the 50 000 revellers expected at Saturday’s event do not stray off the sober path, this year’s spectacle will have more security than in previous years, with increased support from Durban’s metro police and the South African Police Service.
Gold Circle spokeswoman Gill Simpkins said they were “very happy” with the security plan and referred to the event disclaimer when detailing the attitude towards those who got out of hand after one too many drinks.
“We appeal to racegoers not to consume too much alcohol,” she said.
Police spokesman Vincent Mdunge said he could not disclose how many officers would be deployed, as it was an operational matter, but the number was “substantial”.
“We have also allocated a large number of logistical resources to the event,” said Mdunge, with crime intelligence and special task force units on hand. A police helicopter is also to be deployed to patrol the skies over the Greyville track.
He said those attending the Durban July were normally well behaved and police had no concern about safety inside the event.
Co-ordinator at Event World, the operators of the Durban July hospitality village, Edwina Brown, said each tent would have two to three security personnel at the door, with additional security around the village.
Mdunge said they would be conducting roadblocks outside the event, as well as on the roads leading in and out of the city.
“If you choose to drink and drive, rest assured you will be sleeping in jail that night,” he said.
Metro police spokesman, Eugene Msomi, said they, too, would be conducting roadblocks.
KZN MEC for Transport and Community Safety Willies Mchunu said more than 117 000 vehicles had passed through the toll plazas coming into the city the day before the race last year, and this year he was expecting more.
“My special appeal to all road users, drivers and passengers alike, is to exercise vigilance,” said Mchunu, adding that more than 900 traffic officers would be deployed on the day to prevent and punish traffic violations.
As a sign of respect and support for Nelson Mandela, Simpkins said heart-shaped emblems with a tribute message would be handed out on the day to all patrons, with a commemorative page included in the race programme.
The Mercury
