The lockdown eases but you still can not buy alcohol or cigarettes.

Homebrew recipes are shared on social media and residents are getting creative with experimenting with recipes and buying cigarettes illegally.

Unfortunately, it has also led to some criminal activities as SAB Breweries, two bottle stores, and two convenience stores was broken into since lockdown.

Witbank SAPS have tightened their grip on illegal alcohol and cigarette trade. Since the lockdown 458 litres of alcohol and 96 289 cigarettes were confiscated.

“In conjunction with other security forces Witbank and Vosman SAPS have also arrested 677suspects during the period,” said Capt Eddie Hall police spokesperson.

Of the 610 suspects that were arrested, 521 are for contravening the COVID-19 regulations set out by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In the period, 26 illegal immigrants were also arrested.

Three people have to deal with the long arm of the law after they were arrested for apparently drinking in public, three for suspected driving under the influence of alcohol, and one caught for alleged reckless or negligent driving.

The remaining arrests were 21 for theft general, 34 drug arrests, eight suspects for business robberies, and eight for possession of stolen goods.

Six suspects were arrested for house robberies and six for business break-ins.

SAPS also arrested nine people for common assault, 12 for shoplifting, six for malicious damage to property, and three for intimidation.

Seven people were arrested for alleged assault with the intent to do grievously bodily harm arrests, three for fraud, three for house break-in, two for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and one for theft out of a motor vehicle.

Two suspects landed in hot water after they were arrested for using a vehicle without the consent of the owner.

“SAPS also made three arrests for very serious crimes. A suspect was arrested for alleged rape, one for alleged sexual assault and a suspect was arrested for allegedly kidnapping someone,” Capt Hall said.

The station commander of Witbank Police Station Brigadier Lindane Ndlovu thanked the members in blue for their hard work and dedication during the lockdown period. He also praised the law-abiding citizens of eMalahleni for adhering to the disaster management act regulations and the general laws of the country.

“Those criminals who are taking chances and who contemplate committing a crime or break the national state of disaster regulations will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Brig Ndlovu said.