{
  "id": 15348754,
  "title": "‘Safety before profits’: Gauteng traders call for tavern crackdown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/safety-before-profits-gauteng-traders-call-for-tavern-crackdown",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-18T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sundayindependent/news/2026-10-18-safety-before-profits-gauteng-traders-call-for-tavern-crackdown/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Shebeen owners and local liquor traders, representing the Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA), gathered at Beyers Naudé Square in Johannesburg on Thursday to demand strengthened safety measures and improved service delivery from the provincial government. The peaceful protest was attended by numerous licence holders from across Gauteng, all advocating for a safer environment for their patrons following a rise in deadly shootings at taverns. The protesters were motivated by a series of violent incidents that claimed the lives of over 100 patrons in areas like Wedela, Bekkersdal, and Tshwane. The most recent and tragic incident occurred last month in Wedela, where gunmen killed 18 people and injured dozens.\n\nLocal liquor traders are urging Premier Panyaza Lesufi to take swift action by implementing a strategic safety initiative to curb violence. Jongikhaya Kraai, a spokesperson for the GLTA, expressed deep concern over the safety of their customers. He pleaded with the Premier to follow through on the 2023 Safety Before Profits pledge, which aimed to prioritize safety over financial gain. However, traders feel that the promised actions have not yet been implemented.\n\nNombulelo Mkhize, a tavern owner from Dlamini, Soweto, shared her worries about safety and security. Despite implementing stricter security protocols, such as installing more cameras and conducting patron searches, she remains fearful of similar attacks, particularly in Bekkersdal and other affected areas. She has taken additional measures to control overcrowding, which she believes contributes to safety risks.\n\nThe traders highlighted several key issues in their memorandum of demands, including government action on the illegal circulation of firearms, coordinated law enforcement strategies to proactively address these challenges, and regular updates and consultations with affected communities regarding safety measures. While acknowledging their own responsibilities, they emphasized that safety before profits should be a collaborative effort, without the disproportionate burden placed solely on them. They also raised concerns about the ongoing uncertainties surrounding shebeen permits, urging a moratorium on police raids due to their apprehension about enforcement actions taken against outlets operating under shebeen permits.",
  "summary": "In a call for safety and stability, liquor traders in Gauteng demand urgent government intervention amidst rising violence in taverns.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gauteng traders demand stronger safety measures for taverns.",
    "Over 100 patrons killed in recent violent incidents across areas like Wedela and Bekkersdal.",
    "GLTA urges Premier Lesufi to fulfill 2023 Safety Before Profits pledge."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}