The media release below is issued due to media queries in this regard:
At about 14h45 on the 27 December 2010 eight males were charged with sexual harassment and not child molestation (as per the media release on the 29/12/10). It is alleged that the boys aged between 14 and 16 years attempted to inappropriately fondle two females aged between 15 and 16 in the bathing area at the Wedge Beach. The eight suspects had surrounded the girls in the surf and were singing and chanting loudly to divert attention from what they were up to. The girls managed to get out of the water. They approached the security guards on duty at the beach for help and pointed out the suspects.
Parks Recreation and Culture Law Enforcement Officers were called to the scene to assist with the apprehension of the eight suspects and transportation of the suspects and the complainants to the Point Police Station. The suspects were detained and charged for sexual harassment.
The public is urged to report such incidents to the SAPF or for assistance call on lifeguards and security staff on duty on our beaches. Security measures at the beachfront have been strengthened to ensure that an incident of this nature does not re-occur.
Please note that the attendance figures on the beaches was 286 850 from 24/12/10 to 27/12/10 and not 36168 as previously stated.
For more information contact the Deputy Head of Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries, Christo Swart on 031 311 4370 or email:
SwartC@durban.gov.za.
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit, contact Vuyo Gwala on 031 311 4838, 073 250 5704 or email
gwalav@durban.gov.za.