Midday of lockdown start, they drank and moved around freely
ALEXANDRA – Soldiers absent, drinking, free movement, shopping in Alex streets, malls
By midday into day one of the national lockdown against the spread of the coronavirus, there was still concern about free human movement in Alexandra.
This was against the presidential announcement for citizens to remain indoors as a measure to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. “Many of them are still in queues and in shops buying food, drawing money and others drinking beer on the pavements,” said proportional representative councillor Shadrack Mkhonto.
“It was a hive of activity at Pan Africa and Alex Plaza were there are in queues for food at Shoprite, Boxer shops, for meat at Waltons butchery and withdrawing cash from ATMs at FNB and Capitec banks’ branches.”
He added that the prohibition of free movement wasn’t being adhered to the old and greater Alex areas. “They are drinking on the pavements while others walk up and down on the streets as on any other normal day.” He said there were few vehicles on the streets.
“The concern has been brought to the attention of authorities and we hope control will be implemented.”
This said after Alex Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Simphiwe told Alex News that soldiers were still anticipated to complement the police patrolling the streets.
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