Mazibuko monitors compliance in Ivory Park

MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko and national security forces led Operation Okae Molao in Ivory Park on 21 May.

The operation aimed at assessing the compliance of lockdown regulations in the community and retail stores. The South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service divided into teams and toured Ivory Park, raising awareness about Covid-19 and the impact it has on the economy.

Mazibuko encouraged the community of Ivory Park to comply with the law. “We urge the community to go out [only] when it is necessary as the area is an emerging hotspot for Covid-19. People who are going out must have a valid reason, accompanied by relevant documents in hand.”

Mazibuko was not happy with observations she made at one of the malls. “I visited various shops in the mall and most of them do not have screening material for customers and they are not regularly [sanitised]. We have discovered butcheries that sell meat without expiry and package dates. Other shops were caught selling expired meat which is a serious offence and lack of good hygiene.”

Mazibuko urged the people of Ivory Park to get tested for Covid-19 and to know their status. “The provincial government is concerned about cases recorded in the area as they affect many lives. I encourage people to comply with the law and remain safe.”

The operation was deemed to be a success and it helped identify hotspots where people do not comply with the law. A local shop owner, who was apprehended with a box filled with cartons of cigarettes, was arrested during the operation. At the time, it was unclear what his intention was but he did say he was transporting them from one place to another, which is illegal. The brand of cigarettes confiscated is known to be sold illegally.

The MEC succeeded in proving non-compliance in various shops.