Covid-19: The defiant and compliant share Alex streets in different ways
ALEXANDRA – The compliant and defiant continue alongside each other on day seven of the lockdown.
Police officers and some residents at the Alexandra Police Station resembled surgeons with their masks on day seven of the national lockdown.
This as officers helped clients in the charge office or departed in pairs for their beats to seek out the criminally minded and those abusing the lockdown measures against the coronavirus.
It was a day when contracting scenes were visible on the streets which were partially empty, possibly due to the nippy weather or either because residents were complying with the regulations. On some streets, children and a few elderly people walked, seemingly unperturbed by the lockdown. As usual, the children in Alex ran or cajoled each other on the streets only to sidestep passing vehicles before getting back to play again.
A thought came into this journalist’s mind on how big and challenging a task the police are facing in effecting the ‘stay indoors rule.’
Similarly, how unconcerned must parents be when they let their children out, knowing that patrolling police would confront them. On some streets corners, the presence of soldiers didn’t seem a deterrent as some residents milled around.
Also, the challenge in enforcing the lockdown is not made easier with residents going out to buy food and hopefully only other essential items.
Many returned from the shops only carrying one bag of groceries which possibly indicates the amount of disposable income they have. The likelihood is that they will have to return in a day or two to stock up again, an indication of their subsistence life.
The daily trudge to the shops which is likely to continue throughout the lockdown period, will be exploited as cover by those who want to defy the
rules in their self-interest. The nature of the township allows these law breakers to co-exist with the law abiding citizens and it will be difficult for the police and soldiers to distinguish them apart.
Compliant citizens were seen seemingly returning from the shops while the defiant hung around on the little that remains of the pavements that have been taken over by room extensions. The less brave of them disappeared into alleys only to re-emerge after patrolling police vehicles passed. It’s a cat and mouse game they seem to enjoy playing against law enforcement such as any truant student evading class and essential education that is in his or her best interest.
Continuous awareness and education seems necessary if these hardened minds are to change in their best interest to avoid being struck down by the coronavirus.
Related Article:
Councillors, police worried of poor compliance with lockdown rules
Councillors, police worried of poor compliance with lockdown rules
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