By Ntombi Mhlongo
Tourists wishing to enjoy night visits at beaches around Mozambique’s capital city, Maputo, have been dealt a blow. The Maputo Council has announced that it will close beaches in the city between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. to combat increasing crime in the capital.
According to the Club of Mozambique News, increasing acts of violence in the Mozambican capital, especially at night and often on beaches, have prompted the measure.
“At night, several misdemeanours are taking place, such as murders and rapes. It is important that the beaches are always closed at nightfall, that is, at 7:00 p.m.,” Leonel Matsumane, Municipal Director of Tourism in Maputo was quoted as saying.
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It was mentioned that the use of the beaches between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. will from now on be subject to authorization by the Municipal Council of the city of Maputo.
“For this activity to be properly controlled and monitored, a request must be submitted and a team assigned to monitor activities,” Matsumane is reported to have explained.
Furthermore, Costa do Sol Beach, one of those most used for swimming, parties, and other social and sporting activities by people of all age groups and social classes, will have a dedicated police post for better monitoring of compliance.
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Worth noting is that the bustling port city known as Maputo is known for being one that has for years offered tourists of all types the best services.
It sits on an island in the Indian Ocean and has become what many have termed a cosmopolitan metropolis influenced by travellers. It is described by many as a home to a Portuguese-influenced culture that is best appreciated when one visits the city’s lush streets and classy beaches.
