By Selloane Ntshonyane
- A 16-year-old was arrested after a 29-year-old man was fatally stabbed outside a Letlhabile tavern on 30 August.
- Forum 4 SA wants the tavern investigated and says taverns must refuse alcohol sales to anyone under 18.
A 29-year-old man was fatally stabbed during a fight outside a tavern in Block G, Letlhabile, near Brits, on 30 August. He was taken to Letlhabile Clinic, where he was declared dead. Police arrested a 16-year-old in connection with his murder.
The case has prompted Forum 4 SA to renew its campaign against underage drinking. National leader Tebogo Mashilompane wants the tavern where the fight took place investigated, including whether it is complying with its liquor licence conditions.
Mashilompane said he spoke informally to a police colonel at Letlhabile police station, who told him the 16-year-old suspect had been drinking at the tavern with a 19-year-old friend before the fight broke out, and that the friend fled the scene afterwards. This account has not been confirmed by SAPS’s official spokesperson.
SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the investigation is ongoing.
Mashilompane said taverns and liquor outlets must not sell alcohol to anyone under 18, and should display signs saying so clearly.
“Taverns should have signs that show that children under the age of 18 are not allowed to enter and they must also refuse to sell alcohol to anyone underage,” he said.
Under the National Liquor Norms and Standards, taverns are required to check the identity documents of anyone who appears to be under 18 before selling them alcohol.
Mashilompane said both citizens and tavern owners have a responsibility to stop underage drinking, and that taverns found allowing it should face consequences. He also called for more frequent inspections of taverns and liquor outlets.
Forum 4 SA said it will continue its campaign against underage drinking and substance abuse, including visits to schools and taverns to engage communities directly on the issue.
Pictured above: Forum 4 SA wants a Letlhabile tavern investigated after a 16-year-old was arrested for murder, and is calling for stricter checks on underage drinking at taverns nationwide.
Image source: CHATGPT
