On top of this there is widespread drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy and runaway rates of HIV and TB infection.

Policing such a community is not an easy task.

Among the incidents police dealt with last weekend were two murders, both fatal stabbings which allegedly occurred as a result of alcohol abuse at separate parties.

Now, with the festive season around the corner, the police are coming down hard on Delft, and have bluntly warned residents that the festivities are going to be curbed.

All parties must be reported to the police.

Street parties are to be banned - unless permission is obtained. All music must be played indoors. Alcohol may not be consumed, as a police spokesman put it, you may not be seen drinking "even if it is in your own yard".

While it has been proven that excess alcohol consumption has triggered violent behaviour, this police action is a draconian infringement of the Delft citizens' rights to enjoy themselves in the privacy of their own homes.

Would the police consider banning braais and beer in the more manicured gardens and back yards of Constantia or Sandton?

While there is no doubt that help is needed in Delft and in most other economically deprived communities in South Africa, stripping a community of its rights is not the most creative way of dealing with a social crisis.