Gcwalisile Khanyile|Published
Liquor traders are demanding measurable action from the Gauteng government following the Wedela shooting, which claimed 18 lives, warning that private security is no match for heavily armed criminal syndicates.
The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) is demanding a ‘concrete and coordinated’ safety plan for taverns and the communities in which they operate. This was part of the concerns in the memorandum submitted to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Thursday, October 15.
The Association said its demands stem from the recent mass shooting in Wedela in which gunmen stormed the tavern and opened fire on September 26.
GLTA spokesperson Jongikhaya Kraai said measures that the association was calling for included increased visible policing in identified high-risk areas, stronger intelligence-led policing, and a focused response to illegal firearms and organised criminal networks.
He called for a formal mechanism where tavern associations can share information and emerging threats directly with law-enforcement authorities.
“We also want clear accountability: who is responsible for each intervention, what will be done, and by when,” Kraai said.
He said a tavern can employ security, install CCTV cameras, control access, and improve lighting, and all these measures were in place at the tavern in Wedela.
However, he said when eight heavily armed people arrive at a venue with automatic weapons, that crosses the line from normal business security into the core responsibility of the state.
“Tavern owners cannot investigate organised crime networks. They cannot remove illegal firearms from communities. They cannot deploy police officers or conduct criminal intelligence operations. Therefore, the partnership would be strengthened by regular structured engagement between the Premier’s office, SAPS, liquor authorities, and trader associations, with clear commitments, reporting lines and measurable actions rather than engagement only after a tragedy,” Kraai stated.
He said the Gauteng Liquor Pledge was based on an important principle: “safety before profits”.
“GLTA continues to support that principle. The issue is that a partnership must create obligations on both sides. Responsible traders must comply with licence conditions, avoid serving minors and intoxicated patrons, manage their premises responsibly, put reasonable security measures in place and cooperate with law enforcement.”
Kraaid stated that the broader liquor industry also has a role to play, and that producers, distributors, and retailers are part of the same value chain.
“We want the industry to support responsible trading, trader education, safety initiatives, and the development of practical partnerships with the government and law enforcement.”
Margaret Tleane, director of Rapid Response in the Gauteng Office of the Premier, accepted GLTA’s memorandum and said the premier was committed to safety.
“We are going to reactivate the committee that we had established and make sure that these issues are discussed. We are going to take the matter to him (Premier) and see how we can fast-track some of the things. We will also make sure that we respond to this memorandum in writing within seven days,” Tleane said.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, has established a dedicated multidisciplinary team to investigate the shooting at a tavern in Wedela, West Rand District.
“The team comprises seasoned murder and robbery detectives, Crime Intelligence and Crime Scene Investigation members, and is led by a senior Brigadier responsible for Crime Investigation Services in the province,” Muridili said.
On Thursday, Muridili said no arrests have been made yet.