Covid-19: More than 19 000 vehicles stopped in Mpumalanga over five days
Movement between provinces prohibited as from 8 May.
The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison issued a press release on 6 May about the movement of people between provinces.
It will end today, 7 May, just before midnight.
According to the statement, this arrangement was meant to allow people who were locked in other provinces other than where they live or work, to return to their respective provinces.
The decision was in line with the declaration by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Ms Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
It means that from 8 May, inter-provincial movement will be prohibited.
There were increased traffic volumes on most roads in the province and provincial traffic law enforcement officers, working with the police and members of the South African Defence Force stopped 19 207 vehicles between 1 and 5 May.
More than 450 drivers were issued with notices to discontinue.
Altogether 24 vehicles were discontinued due to defects.
Traffic volumes are expected to increase today as most people will be rushing to other provinces. Although there are about 14 law enforcement operations across the province, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Ms Gabisile Shabalala, called on those who will be travelling to do so safely.
She reiterated the call to motorists to obey the rules and also abide by the provisions of the prevailing lockdown.
Ms Shabalala also appealed to all taxi operators to ensure that no passengers are allowed inside their vehicles without face masks.
She encouraged law enforcers to spare no effort in dealing with those who break the law.
“Government is working around the clock to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and for us to win, everyone must respect measures put in place to eradicate the pandemic,” she added.
The MEC has meanwhile urged the communities who visit shopping centres to respect social distancing.
According to the MEC, management and shop owners should put measures in place to minimise chaos at their premises.
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