Multiple arrests across Mpumalanga due to disregard for Covid-19 regulations

Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, issued a stern warning following the arrests of “more than 85 people throughout the province”.

This according to a statement issued by his office on the evening of January 1.  These people were arrested for allegedly contravening the Disaster Management Regulations under Alert level 3.

This comes shortly after president Cyril Ramaphosa moved the country back to level 3 of lockdown in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Among others, level-3 regulations include a nationwide curfew. Residents are expected to confine themselves to their homes between 21:00 and 06:00. Masks are also compulsory in public spaces. Most arrests were due to the disregard of these two regulations specifically.

“The police in Mpumalanga, working together with other members of the security cluster, have been hard at work since the announcement by the president and about 18 people were arrested for failing to wear their masks in a public place,” the statement read.

“A total of 35 people were arrested for failure to be confined to their places of residence between 21:00 and 06:00 and 31 more were arrested for failing to wear masks at public places and failing to confine themselves to their places of residence during the curfew hours.

“Meanwhile, two people were arrested for selling/transporting liquor.

“The arrested individuals were issued with hefty fines and the public should expect more arrests on those who decide to be on the wrong side of the law.”