Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Nqaba Bhanga opened the first ever Alcohol Evidence Centre for the Eastern Cape at the Metro Police Precinct in Bethelsdorp today.
This centre is equipped to test with Evidentiary Breathalyser Alcohol Testing (EBAT) machines and detain motorists suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol without the added pressure of taking blood samples at overburdened hospital emergency rooms.
This solution is especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic when hospitals are already dealing with other pressing emergencies.
South African Breweries (SAB) contributed more than R600 000 for the infrastructure which include consultation rooms, two holding cells, furniture and medical fridges to store blood evidence as part of the company’s social responsibility programmes.
Executive Mayor Nqaba Bhanga said he is grateful for the successful development made possible by the public private partnership with SAB as it helps to build a layer to ensure the safety and security of Nelson Mandela Bay residents.
“I am expressing my gratitude to the company on behalf of the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay as we can only prosper and build our economy if we work closely with the private sector in the interest of our citizens.
“The centre will be used to provide the results of blood alcohol levels on the spot and to temporarily detain suspects. It is important that enforcement must start with those in power whether it is the political elite or those occupying prominent positions in society, “Mayor Bhanga said. He pledged his full support to equip and build the Metro Police unit.
First suspect nabbed during launch
Ironically the first suspect was caught red-handed with an open bottle of one of the sponsor’s premier beers, when she dropped two passengers at the public health facility that is on the same precinct as the newly launched centre.
Her misfortune was amplified when the Mayor’s official unveiling of the plaque had to wait for the 25-year-old woman to be processed at the new facility. She was waltzed into the building shortly after the completion of the official programme. Her full glass of beer and almost empty Black Label silent reminders of her ill-fated decision. The suspect was taken to the Bethelsdorp Police Station for further processing.
Metro Police Commissioner Yolande Faro, who initiated the project by approaching SAB, described the launch as a proud and epoch-making moment for the law enforcement community in the fight against preserving evidence in drunk-and-driving cases.
“Although Alcohol Evidence Centres are operational in other parts of South Africa, it is the first ever centre in the Eastern Cape.
“The facility will be operational on a twenty-four seven basis for 365 days year,” she added.
South African Breweries plan to also open Alcohol Evidence Centres in Durban, Polokwane, Thokoza and Soweto as part of their None for the Road campaign.
NMB Communications
Latest posts by NMB Communications (see all)
- Join The Celebration - 26 February 2025
- 6 Municipal Employees Supended - 15 January 2025
- Fishwater Flats Wastewater Treatment Plant Work Progressing Well - 10 January 2025
- Kliprand Protest Brings Action - 7 January 2025
- Mayor Tells Us Why We Had a Successful Festive Season in Nelson Mandela Bay - 6 January 2025
