Kempton streets quiet on first day of lockdown amid police patrols
Kempton Park SAPS closed down six tuck shops
Despite Kempton Park SAPS closing six tuck shops on Friday after the national lockdown came into effect, the rest of Kempton Park was quiet.
According to Kempton SAPS spokesperson, Capt Jethro Mtshali, these shops failed to comply with the national lockdown on the dawn of Friday morning.
Mtshali said operations were conducted from midnight where streets in Kempton Park were patrolled.
“During the operation, which started at 6am on Friday, we closed the open tuck shops.
“Otherwise, the streets were quiet and people were seemingly complying with the lockdown.”
Some of the shops closed were situated on Pretoria Road, Central and Pascoe avenues.
Sebenza SAPS spokesperson Sgt Sharon Tsotsotso, said they started an operation at 6pm on Thursday evening that lasted until 2am on Friday morning.
Police focused on monitoring suburbs like Cresslawn, Croydon, Kempton Park West and Esther Park.
“We simply pulled over those traveling by car to inform them of the lockdown procedures ahead, and among those we stopped, we found nothing illegal.”
She said after midnight the streets were very quiet.
“We ask the community to cooperate with police during this time as to not cause any trouble or conflict for the time ahead.”
Residents are urged to inform police of groups out in the streets.
Norkem Park SAPS reported empty streets on the first morning of the national lockdown.
The cluster implemented measures to ensure that the lockdown was adhered to and as such, police were visible in different areas within their precinct and residential areas.
Integrated foot patrols, roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints were conducted.
Sgt Johanna Madiga, spokesperson for Norkem Park SAPS, applauded the residents for complying with lockdown rules.
“No arrests were made after enforcing the lockdown, which kicked off at midnight. The streets were clean,” said Madiga.
Meanwhile, chaos ensued at Birch Acres Mall on Friday afternoon as residents flocked there to buy essential items.
According to Madiga, police were deployed at the mall and managed to calm the commotion.
