Metro Police to pay special attention to establishments breaking Covid-19 rules
JOBURG – The aim of the line is to supporting victims of GBV with the immediate and rapid response of the law enforcement and other relevant departments within the City.
Mayor gives Metro police strict instructions to act on any law and by-law transgressions by people of businesses.
Sit-in food and liquor outlets have been warned to operate within the law or face Metro police. This is word from the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Geoffrey Makhubo who is expecting Metro police to apprehend those not adhering to the Covid-19 regulations and other City by-laws. The City recently hosted a joint operation against crime and non-compliance with the Disaster Management Regulations and the public has been reminded these efforts will continue.
Makhubo expressed, “We wish to warn all restaurants (bona fide) and liquor outlets to operate within the law and to ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 regulations for the safety of patrons. The concerns of a second wave of infections is real and cannot be over emphasised.”
Metro police have assured the mayor that they will ensure that the public’s safety and security is a priority for them. They pledged themselves to carrying out their operations in a professional and consistent manner. Makhubo expressed, “The actions of the JMPD are without fear or favour. As a City we will not be deterred from acting against lawlessness because popular persons and influencers believe their entertainment establishments of choice are above the law.”
In August the City launched a dedicated 24-hour Crisis Line as a response to gender-based violence and substance abuse. The aim of the line is to supporting victims of GBV with the immediate and rapid response of the law enforcement and other relevant departments within the City. Makhubo explained, “As a City we have been actively engaged in the fight against GBV and have followed closely cases with the requisite action from law enforcement where it has reared its ugly head. We will continue to do so and to act harshly against it but this will not be at the expense of our collective and holistic response to crime and grime in the City.”
The public have been urged to continue to respect the law, law enforcement and the rules of the Covid-19 lockdown. Makhubo added, “We must also commend those establishments that continue to comply and adhere to the regulations in the conduct of their business operations and encourage the industry to isolate and shame those that are contravening the regulations.”
