A sting operation which was carried out from June 14 until June 20, saw more than 580 suspects arrested for various criminal offences; including murder, contravention of the Disaster Management Regulations, attempted murder, car-jacking, rape, robberies, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

According to Brig. Leonard Hlathi, these successes were scooped by joint forces of the security cluster in the province which continue to enforce the law during any level of the Lockdown Regulations.

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Security forces are mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, to ensure the safety of the citizens as well as that of their properties, including stamping the authority of the state.

“The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla has urged members of the public to obey the law and not to become reckless, especially at such a time as this, when the country is faced with the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, more than 85 of the total number of suspects arrested, were those who contravened the Disaster Management Regulations,” said Hlathi.

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 General Phahla has, however, applauded the sterling efforts displayed by the security agencies, evidenced by the projected results.

“We are very much concerned about the conduct displayed by some community members who are often seen at social gatherings without practicing social distancing and not putting their face masks on. It seems as if some people are ignorant of the fact that we are still faced with the pandemic”, said General Phahla.