[ad_1]
Several suspects were arrested for violating lockdown regulations.
- After President Cyril Ramaphosa announced stricter shutdown regulations, several liquor dealers were arrested for violating the new measures.
- They were arrested in Alexandra, Mamelodi and Orlando East for selling liquor, contravening new regulations that prohibit the sale of alcohol.
- Customers were also found to drink alcohol in large quantities.
Several liquor dealers were arrested in Gauteng on Monday night for allegedly violating regulations shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced stricter lockdown measures.
Among the suspects arrested was the owner of a popular hangout in Alexandra, who was arrested for selling liquor after curfew.
The owner was arrested around 11 p.m., said police spokesman Brig. Mathapelo Peters.
Peters said:
The place was packed, without taking into account or taking action for Covid-19 health protocols.
“Hours before his arrest, the police had conducted a compliance inspection at the same meeting place and the manager was arrested for non-compliance with the provisions of the Gauteng Liquor Act 02 of 2003, and then paid a fine for admission of culpability”.
READ ALSO | ‘I don’t want to celebrate the New Year sober!’: Rushes to stockpile amid speculation about closure
Also on Monday night, Mamelodi police dispersed patrons at a tavern and arrested the owner for violating the Disaster Management Act.
The arrest came after Gauteng Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Elias Mawela ordered an urgent investigation into a video clip circulating on social media.
The video showed a large crowd drinking and dancing without taking into account any of the Covid-19 health protocols.
Ironically, in the same video clip, Ramaphosa was seen on a television screen addressing the nation as a large crowd of revelers drank and danced, oblivious to the ad.
In Orlando East, police responded to a complaint from a community member and arrived just before 11:00 p.m., found more than 300 people on the premises.
The owner received a warning and the place was closed and the crowd dispersed.
Mawela has assured the public that the police, along with other law enforcement agencies in Gauteng, will be in full force not only to continue safer holiday season operations, but also to enforce regulations and compliance with the Covid-19 health protocols.
Mawela said:
Our communities are reminded of the valuable role they can play in fighting crime and in support of government efforts to ensure everyone’s safety against the second wave of the coronavirus, the impact of which is said to be far worse than the first. outbreak earlier in the year.
Mawela called for the maximum support and cooperation of the public.
He also expressed his best wishes to all members of the law enforcement agencies that will be deployed during the period of the adjusted Level 3 lockdown.
Did you know that you can comment on this article? Subscribe to News24 and add your voice to the conversation.
