LIMPOPO – Following a stern warning from the Transport and Community Safety MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, that residents should adhere to current lockdown regulations, the police in the province have arrested 496 people for non-compliance.

Also read: Non-compliance with lockdown regulations: ‘No negotiations, we will just arrest’

Of these arrests, 149 people were arrested in the Waterberg district, 146 in Capricorn, 138 in Vhembe, 59 in Sekhukhune and four in Mopani.

According to a statement by Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, some of the suspects were arrested for not wearing masks in public places, failing to confine themselves at their places of residence after curfew and using fireworks at prohibited places.

“Others were arrested for dispensing and/or transportation of alcohol, as well as consuming alcohol in public,” Mojapelo explained.

He said although residents were largely compliant, these arrests are a manifestation that law enforcement officers were relentless when enforcing these regulations.

The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Maj Gen Jan Scheepers, thanked community members for generally conducting themselves in compliance with the regulations under the Disaster Management Act.

“This behaviour will strengthen and sustain the already existing sound relationship between the community and police. I also want to thank all law enforcement officers for spending sleepless night in ensuring that everyone comply with these regulations,” added Scheepers.

Mojapelo said these operations will continue as long as the lockdown persists.

“People with information about any criminal activities are urged to contact the station commanders or district commissioners of their respective areas,” he concluded.