Despite initial plans to only deploy to Gauteng, KZN and the Western Cape, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, announced tonight that armed forces had been deployed to all provinces.

“The SANDF is here to assist the SAPS and we are led by the Department of Health during this lockdown,” she said.

Also read: Covid-19 – Residents question Bedfordview as Gauteng virus epicentre

“We did experience some failures this morning after there was footage from Alexandra and people were asking where the police and SANDF were. We eventually deployed to those areas.”

Transport

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said, “We experienced challenges with workers in essential services who make use of public transport as there were long queues this morning.

He reminded taxis about the regulations that allow transport from 5am to 9am and again from 5pm to 8pm for workers who perform essential services.

“We urge taxis to transport people frequently during the set times.”

“We have also increased law enforcement on the N1 to Limpopo for those undermining the lockdown regulations.”

Also read: Lockdown Regulations: Everything you need to know

Police

Police Minister Bheki Cele said prior to lockdown four roadblocks were conducted with the support of ground forces .

“The first was on the N1 to Limpopo. After 12 [midnight] no cars were allowed to cross into Limpopo. They were turned back.

“The other roadblocks were on the N4 to the North West from Gauteng, and from the North West and the N3 to KZN,” reported Cele.

He said 172 roadblocks were held throughout the country with 24 000 men and women deployed.

“They were not all in blue, some were from the metro police and other forces. We had success,” he said.

He reported arrests made in the hours leading up to the lockdown totaled 55.

Five people were arrested in the Free State, 20 in Gauteng, seven in KZN, 10 in Limpopo, 11 in Limpopo and two in the Western Cape.

“These people did exactly what they were told not to do. Some were drinking and sitting outside under trees, undermining the law. We will continue,” Cele said.

“We received good information from the public but please do not give us fake news [false information].”

He said Alexandra has been raised as a concern.

“One of the shortcomings is shopping.

“We had a discussion with the Minister of Economic Development and we are seeking an answer to address the shortcomings and challenges of this long queues.

“This is about life and death. This thing kills. There is a belief it kills old people,” said Cele.

“If you thought that, I remind you, the first victim was 28 years old.

“Let’s be serious about it.

“Be part of the partnership to defeat this.”

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