Large consignment of liquor seized, two arrested at inter-provincial roadblock
Preliminary investigations revealed that the men were transporting the liquor from Limpopo to Mpumalanga
LIMPOPO – Over 50 people, including two people caught transporting liquor were arrested for contravening lockdown regulations. They were arrested during various Provincial Covid-19 Lockdown Operations which were conducted in parts of Limpopo since Friday according to the Department of Transport and Community Safety.
The Provincial Covid-19 Lockdown operations are aimed at ensuring communities abide by the lockdown regulations to curb the spread of Covid-19.
On Saturday, 25 April two men were arrested at a inter-provincial roadblock at Stoffberg on the border between the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The roadblock was a routine Covid-19 duty conducted by law enforcement officers from Limpopo and Mpumalanga assisted by local traffic officers.
Department Spokesperson, Matome Moremi-Taueatsoala says the duo were travelling in white Toyota Quantum and was stopped at the said roadblock and searched. During this search the officers found a large consignment of liquor, which consisted of cases of assorted alcoholic beverages. The two man, aged 27 and 49, were arrested on the spot and the consignment was confiscated and registered as per SAPS 13 – 53/2020.
He adds that preliminary investigations revealed that the liquor was being transported from Phokwane in Sekhukhune District of Limpopo to Witbank in Mpumalanga.
The duo were charged in terms of Disaster Management Regulations. Police investigations still continue.
Meanwhile in Namakgale Policing area outside Phalaborwa under the Giyani Cluster a total of 53 people were arrested on Friday, 24 April for contravening lockdown regulations.
The intensified operations were led by the Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner responsible for Corporate Support and also the Chairperson of the Provincial Covid-19 Steering Committee, Major General Christine Morakaladi, joined by the Provincial Covid-19 Steering Committee and the Saps Giyani Cluster Commander Major General Mbazima Ngobeni.
Moremi-Taueatsoala says the operation was conducted through roadblocks, visiting of essential and non-essential businesses, shopping malls, taxi ranks, stop and searches, checking if people have correct permits.
Other operational successes included:
• Two people arrested for operating non-essential businesses
• Five people arrested for selling sorghum beer
• 42 people arrested for failing to confine themselves at their homes.
He adds that two overloaded taxis were also impounded and owners arrested. The management also addressed community members at the taxi ranks and malls including the taxi operators and business owners and requested them to adhere to the regulations to help fight against the spread of the virus.
