Clifton beach chaos: Booze, brawls and matric mob [videos]

Police clamped down on unruly behaviour as thousands of minor beach-goers, many of whom were matric learners, descended on Camps Bay, Clifton and surrounding Cape Town beaches over the weekend.

According to city officials, five underage individuals were arrested for assault and driving under the influence, while dozens of fines were issued for drinking in public. Over 1000 units of alcohol was confiscated.

CLIFTON CHAOS: BOOZE AND BRAWLS TAKE OVER THE BEACH

According to reports, close to 4 000 underage youth descended on Clifton’s first through fourth beaches, as well as neighbouring Camps Bay and Maiden Cove, to celebrate the last weekend of the third term school holidays.

Much of the crowd were Matric learners who returned to their fourth and final school term this week.

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said that a 16-year-old had been arrested for driving under the influence. Four other minors were arrested for assaulting law enforcement personnel.

Twigg added that 64 fines were issued for alcohol-related offences whilst police confiscated around 1 000 units of alcohol.

Cape Town City Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason stated that between 3 000 and 4 000 youth descended on the Clifton and surrounding beaches over the weekend.

The City was alerted to the planned youth gathering and had implemented a contingency plan that included City Law Enforcement, Metro Police, Traffic Services, and Camps Bay SAPS, who covered several popular beach areas along the Atlantic Seaboard.

Take a look at various videos taken over the weekend…

@tawana_2zizzyy Part 1 #fyp #chaos #clifton #xybca #beachvibes ♬ original sound – Shan Da baddest

@whosthieryy We still had fun #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypシ #fypnowpleaseシ #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #clifton ♬ original sound – Uit die blou van onse jemel

@whosthieryy We still had fun #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypシ #fypnowpleaseシ #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #clifton ♬ original sound – Uit die blou van onse jemel

@bontalotours Clifton 4th 3rd Oct, YOU OWE US NOTHING!🔥🥹🌊 #cliftonbeach #students #cputstudent #uwc #beachday ♬ original sound – DJ ASH

MATRIC SAFETY

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security for the City of Cape Town J Smith, issues a stern warning to minors and matric learners following the Clifton Beach incidents over the weekend.

Smith urged the youth to be responsible during the outdoor social activity.

He shared on Facebook: “A little bit of ‘innocent fun’ can sometimes have lasting consequences. Don’t lose sight of the mission. Many matriculants are gathering at our beaches to celebrate reaching this final milestone with their friends. Make those memories ones you can look back on with pride, not regret.

“Alcohol is not permitted in our bathing areas.

“More importantly, alcohol impairs judgement, slows reaction times and can dramatically increase the risks associated with swimming, driving and other activities.

“Every year, too many lives are lost on our roads because of alcohol. So, if you encounter our enforcement officers on the beach and they confiscate alcohol, understand that it is about more than simply enforcing a by-law. It is about protecting you.

“You are the leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, parents and citizens who will shape our city and our country tomorrow. We want you to get there”.

TEEN PRESUMED DROWNED AT CAMPS BAY

Meanwhile, the search continues for a teen boy who was swept out to sea at Camps Bay.

The 18-year-old from Mfuleni is presumed to have drowned after he disappeared in the surf in a strong rip current at Glen Beach over the weekend.

On Monday, 5 October, city officials confirmed that an 8-year-old had drowned in the Camps Bay tidal pools.