Alex police said those who spread false information on coronavirus with the intention to deceive the public will be prosecuted.
“They either will be jailed or made to pay a fine,” said Constable Simphiwe Mbatha, spokesperson of Alexandra Police Station when he outlined the station’s preparedness for the pandemic which is feared may lead to a national lockdown.
This following government’s declaration of a state of disaster due to the pandemic and as the reported numbers of those infected was rising. The station, in one of the country’s poorest and overcrowded townships, attends to many criminal and social cases daily resulting in unavoidable social and physical contact.
“The virus, said to spread from droplets of those infected, threatens to bring Mzansi to a standstill. As enforcers of the law, we also have to play a part in helping to get rid of the real and crippling threat from the virus through directives from the state.” Mbatha said this included stopping those who spread false and deceptive information through whatever form including social media.
Mbatha said the officers and staff were being trained on remedial measures and urged residents to also acquaint themselves with the
virus and its prevention. “The measures are conveyed daily through posters at public places and spaces like clinics, community centres, shops and most forms of media.”
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This, he said, as the station kept tight control of the entrance and exit to and from the charge offices and main premises of the station. “The main huge gate often left open for easy access is closed and lets in vehicles. Residents coming to report cases, certify documents or for appointments with officers use the charge office entrance where their hands are sprayed with sanitiser including at other strategic points. Those with appointments write their identity and contact details in a book to enable follow up if necessary.
“Officers also keep gloves and masks ready in case of possible physical contact when going on patrol and to attend cases.”
He urged residents to also comply with government’s directive on congregating numbers. “Liquor operators like taverns should cooperate with the unprecedented measures that limit congregation to no more than 50 people but to do so aware that social distance of at least one metre is also expected among the patrons. Also, to sell the alcohol only between 6pm and 9am.”
He added that as much as this would be difficult in overcrowded Alex, a state of disaster or emergency required sacrifice and determination in the interest of curbing a dire situation.
Mbatha also urged those who call the virus a Chinese disease to desist from this association. “It’s a negative perception on a real danger facing us and requiring collective local effort to mitigate. Rather concentrate on deepening and practising awareness and prevention measures to help end its spread so that life can return to normal.”
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