SEDIBENG.- In a weekly update by the Gauteng Provincial Command Council on measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its impact, the Gauteng Premier, David Makhura and his executive has welcomed the measures taken by law enforcement officials in dealing with criminality and those disobeying the lockdown regulations.
Makhura said that they welcome the arrest of 54 people in connection to the vandalism, arson and break-ins at public schools and that they remain deeply concerned that more schools are continuing to be targeted by criminals who take advantage of the lockdown period.
“Our law enforcement and security agencies continue to enforce regulations and undertake anti-crime operations. So far, 10 126 suspects have been arrested and 9 624 cases opened. 7 481 suspects are currently awaiting to appear in court. We express our full appreciation to the law enforcement agencies for the continuous efforts to enforce the lockdown regulations, and bring to book those who are not complying. We continue to call on law enforcement officers to carry out their work in accordance with the rule of law.”
Makhura also thanked workers engaged in essential services.
“We wish to thank all workers engaged in essential services, who continue to give their all since we started our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health professionals, workers, emergency personnel, officers in security services – the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel, soldiers – are the true heroes and deserve our support as they work tirelessly to ensure that we succeed in our efforts to combat COVID-19.”
