Police Minister confirms 55 arrests on the first day of the nationwide lockdown

POLICE Minister Genl. Bheki Cele visited four main roadblocks on the major exit and entrance routes in Gauteng, including the N1 North to and from Limpopo on Thursday, 26 March.

Just under 24 000 members of the SAPS have been deployed, assisted by SANDF members, Metro Police and other law enforcement officers.

Vehicles of which the movement was in contravention of the regulations, were turned back at roadblocks on the N4 to and from the North West; and on the N3 to and from KwaZulu-Natal. Cele confirmed that 172 roadblocks were implemented on the main routes covering parallel routes to deal with those motorists who attempted to take alternative routes.

SAPS, SANDF and Metro Police increased visibility on Friday morning, 27 March. This resulted in arrests: 20 in Gauteng; 11 in the North West; 10 in Limpopo; 7 in KwaZulu-Natal; 5 in the Free State; and 2 in the Western Cape.

Some of these road users blatantly defied the lockdown regulations and engaged in activities such as street-bashes, while some were sitting in groups drinking, when it has been emphasised that the selling and movement of liquor during the lockdown period is prohibited.

“The intentional contravention of the lockdown regulations does not only undermine the authority of the State but in fact, undermines the health and the lives of the citizens of South Africa who have during this time displayed goodwill by cooperating with and supporting police efforts to enforce the law,” said Cele, cautioning those who are hellbent on making a mockery of government efforts and turning the spread of the coronavirus into a joke.

Cele also assured the country that, “this war we find ourselves in, is not a war against any citizen of this country, but is a war against a common enemy, the coronavirus. Whoever breaks the law and chooses to join the enemy against the citizens, will face the full might of the law and police will decisively make sure that we defend the people of South Africa.”

Acknowledging the challenges that came with the first day of the lockdown, Cele confirmed that talks were underway between the Departments of Police, Trade and Industry, and Transport to address issues experienced.

The Minister issued a stern warning to those who lie to the police and use the queues at shops and pharmacies as an opportunity to go out for reasons other than acquiring essential goods and/or services. Police are under instruction to deal decisively with such chancers.

Cele also assured citizens that police will respond swiftly to all genuine tip-offs.

To curb the continued spreading of fake news, the public is encouraged to report such to the Serious Commercial Crime unit under the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) telephonically or by e-mail to:

Colonel Govindsami

Tel: 012 8464103

Cell: 082 787 8110