THE executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg, councillor Geoffrey Makhubo, joined the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) at two roadside check operations yesterday with the aim to monitor compliance on the part of motorists in terms of the regulations pronounced on the National State of Disaster on April 3.

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The mayor was of the view that there were still too many vehicles on the road. This was concerning, he said, as most motorists did not comply with lockdown regulations. The road side operations indicated a need to intensify awareness on the lockdown and to enforce the law.

Makhubo stated that motorists are abusing the use of the permits granted to them.  “Permits are not being used for necessary essential services. There will be no tolerance for those misleading law enforcement officers, people who are not complying will be arrested,” he said.

“I urge every single person to stay at home and only go out when they need to perform essential services. This is meant for their own safety and health, so as to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country.”

JPMD Spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar, confirmed that they made 17 arrests. The City of Johannesburg will continue to conduct more roadside check operations over the next 15 days across the city to continue to enforce compliance.

“We thank those who have heeded the call and who comply with the regulations,” the mayor concluded.

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