Lothair Police arrested 18 residents during the Easter weekend who did not adhere to the regulations of the Disaster Management Act.

They were arrested in terms of the Disaster Management Act 2020 Section 11(b) subsection (a)(i) failure by a person to be confined to a residence during lockdown except to perform/obtain essential service/goods, collect social grant or seek medical attention.

Some of the residents were released on bail of R1 500.

Lothair spokesman, Const Bathobile Khumalo, said they hope that these arrests will send a message to the community to adhere to the regulations put in place.

She added that most people are grasping the importance of the lockdown as fewer people are seen in the streets.

Const Khumalo said: “We had two funerals over the weekend and the families adhered to the regulations, although it was not perfect, we commend their attempt.”

She pleaded with the community to stay at home to keep themselves and essential workers safe.