Gauteng closes 20 liquor outlets to combat gender based violence

Provincial authorities in Gauteng, a province in South Africa, closed 20 liquor outlets following a large scale crackdown on alcohol related violence.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced the actions after officials conducted 7,322 inspections of liquor businesses. These efforts included 41 joint operations and the issuance of 459 notices to businesses that violated regulations. The provincial government plans to deploy 1,022 response teams into 122 high risk areas to protect women and children.

Authorities also intend to hire 56 additional social workers to assist survivors of violence. The province identified 10 police stations with the highest numbers of reported rape cases for special attention, including locations such as Mamelodi and Tembisa. Local municipalities are also taking steps to improve public safety by clearing overgrown bushes and repairing security cameras. While some safety checks are between 60% and 80% complete, Lesufi noted that many tasks remain unfinished.

The province currently operates 18 shelters with 363 beds for people fleeing violence and maintains 19 Medical Legal Clinics to help preserve evidence for criminal cases.