Residents of Progress, a neighbourhood in Upington’s Ward 4, are stepping up a campaign for urgent police intervention after months of what they describe as persistent noise, public-nuisance and safety problems connected to two taverns on Varkoor Crescent and Kanna Street.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Upington has launched a petition calling on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to investigate the complaints, increase visible policing in the area, and work with other authorities to assess whether the taverns comply with liquor and municipal legislation.
Residents report violence, damage and disorder
According to the DA’s statement, neighbours have repeatedly raised concerns with the Dawid Kruiper Municipality and SAPS about excessive loud music, shouting, patrons urinating in the streets, damage to vehicles and property, and suspected illegal drug-related activity at the two premises.
The DA also cited more serious allegations of violent incidents, including reports of gunfire. The party said two young people died at one of the taverns last month, and that such incidents have been reported to SAPS.
"Residents should not have to live in fear or endure ongoing disruption while waiting for authorities to intervene,"
The DA said it first lodged a formal complaint with the police in November 2025, requesting investigations and compliance assessments, but that "eight months later" residents were still waiting for substantive action.
What the petition asks for
- Investigation of complaints by SAPS.
- Co‑operation between SAPS, liquor authorities and the municipality on licensing and compliance checks.
- Increased visible policing in Progress, particularly during evenings and weekends.
- Appropriate action to protect residents and restore peace to surrounding households.
The DA said it has previously submitted a complaint to the Northern Cape Liquor Board and will continue to press municipal and licensing authorities to address the issue.
Local consequences and unanswered questions
For residents, the alleged disturbances have immediate material and personal consequences: damaged property, disrupted sleep, and a sense of insecurity in their own neighbourhood. If true, gunfire and the deaths reported at one premises point to crimes that would normally prompt criminal investigations and, where appropriate, prosecutions.
At the time of publication, the DA’s petition was presented as an escalation after what it described as delayed responses from law-enforcement and municipal bodies. The statement did not include responses from SAPS, the Dawid Kruiper Municipality, or the Northern Cape Liquor Board.
| Issue raised | Source |
|---|---|
| Noise and loud music | Residents / DA |
| Public urination and disorderly conduct | Residents / DA |
| Vehicle and property damage | Residents / DA |
| Suspected illegal drug activity | Residents / DA |
| Reports of gunfire and two deaths | DA statement / residents |
Local residents, ward councillors and the DA are urging SAPS to respond to the petition and for the municipality and liquor board to ensure licensed premises operate within the law. The case raises broader questions about how communities and authorities handle complaints about licence compliance, visible policing and the enforcement of noise and public-order regulations in Upington’s residential areas.
Further comment from SAPS, the Dawid Kruiper Municipality and the Northern Cape Liquor Board was not included in the DA release. The petition is intended to press those bodies to act so that residents can live without fear and reclaim peace in their neighbourhood.
