Close to 7500 people arrested for not wearing masks

More than 20 000 people were arrested and/or fined for contravening the Disaster Management Act, since the start of the adjusted Level 3 Lockdown two weeks ago.

Police Minister, Bheki Cele says he is concerned that 7 455 citizens who were caught not wearing masks in public.

“These arrests were made despite people being told continuously to wear their masks. Wearing a mask is mandatory and people caught without one in public, are committing an offence. The wearing of masks is both for your safety and the safety of others around you.” says Lirandzu Themba, Police Ministry Spokesperson.

A further 834 people were arrested for the sale, dispensing, distribution and transporting of alcohol.

Cele has commended the majority of South Africans who are complying with the adjusted regulations.

“I want to stress the point that the law enforcement agencies do not enjoy making these arrests as these laws are there to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus that’s ravaging our country. However, officers of the SAPS are left with no choice but to act in the interest of saving lives. Therefore, I urge everyone who resides within our borders to respect the laws of this land. The regulations are among our arsenal against this deadly virus and failure to comply with them, certainly will result in more people being infected and more lives being lost.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George