After 28 deaths in South Africa, calls grow to tighten oversight of alcohol sales — TimesLIVE
In South Africa, following the deaths of 28 people in two separate mass shootings in Wedela, Gauteng province, and Lwandle near Cape Town, calls have intensified to review the rules governing the location, licensing and oversight of alcohol-selling establishments in residential areas. Another 26 people were injured, TimesLIVE reports.
Position of the alcohol alliance
The South African Alcohol Policy Alliance SAAPA SA expressed condolences to the families of those killed and to the affected communities. The organisation’s campaigns director, Nomsebo Dlamini, stressed that the shootings were a serious violent crime and that responsibility for the killings lies with the attackers.
At the same time, she said, these incidents raise a broader question about the proper location, licensing, monitoring and regulation of alcohol-selling establishments in residential communities. SAAPA SA noted that the issue is particularly relevant to poorer areas, where such establishments and entertainment venues may operate near homes and other public facilities.
Licensing review
Several weeks earlier, the 2026 Women’s Parliament adopted a declaration calling for stronger protection of women and children, as well as greater accountability of state and public institutions. The document, in particular, provided for stricter regulation to prevent alcohol-related harm and a moratorium on new alcohol sales licences in communities with high levels of such harm while existing establishments are assessed.
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SAAPA SA said that consideration of a moratorium should be part of a broader analysis of outlet density, their location, licensing status, compliance with licence conditions, operating hours and previous incidents linked to the premises.
The alliance also recalled the 2016 draft amendments to alcohol legislation. They proposed banning the production, distribution or retail sale of alcohol within 500 metres of schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, rehabilitation or treatment centres, government institutions and similar facilities.
SAAPA SA called on national, provincial and local authorities to assess the operating conditions of licensed and unlicensed establishments, strengthen monitoring and compliance enforcement, and improve cooperation among licensing authorities, municipalities, the South African Police Service and communities.
