The case against Eastern Cape surfing legend Dave Lipschitz has been withdrawn by the National Prosecuting Authority before it even got to court.
The 66-year-old Lipschitz was arrested along with two minors at Cape St Francis on the 6th of January for surfing during the extended lockdown level 3 regulations.
The case against the two minors was also withdrawn.
Port Elizabeth lawyer and Surfing South Africa President Johnny Bakker represented Lipschitz and says the matter was withdrawn on Wednesday before it was due to be heard in court in Humansdorp.
“We as Surfing South Africa obviously had a vested interest in the case,” said Bakker. “We made a representation to the NPA and are happy with the outcome. Surfing South Africa is still promoting the surf and go concept where you don’t hang around on the beach after your session – and everyone seems to be abiding by our plea.”
Lipschitz told AlgoaFM News he was not surprised the matter did not see the light of day in a courtroom and that he always regarded it as a frivolous attempt to intimidate surfers.
“I had a couple of encounters with the police during the lockdown,” said Lipschitz. “They were generally apologetic and reminded me that they were just doing their job – I think they actually felt foolish for having to police us in the first place.”
During the incident at Cape St Francis, Lipschitz was issued with a summons which gave him the option of paying a R200 admission of guilt fine on or before this week's court date.
“I am really happy that the case was withdrawn as I didn’t think it had any merit, but having Johnny Bakker and his Advocate wife Hannelie on my side certainly made things a lot easier.”
Lipshitz has been part of the surfing scene in Port Elizabeth for decades and is the owner of the Surf Centre on the city beachfront.
“We took a big hit over the festive season because although we were allowed to trade we had no business because the beaches were closed and no-one was allowed to surf. Generally, we have managed to get through it quite well though. I’m just hoping that this doesn’t happen again to the poor people around us,” he said.
