Covid-19: ‘It is up to us whether the lockdown will be extended’ – Cele
“We would all like to go back to leading our normal lives.”
“It is up to us to determine whether the 21-day lockdown could be extended beyond April 16.”
These were the words of Police Minister Bheki Cele when he addressed the media earlier today.
“We would all like to go back to leading our normal lives.
Also read: Covid-19: Lockdown a ‘perfect tsunami’ for cyber criminals as more employees work remotely
“It is up to you to stay at home and prevent the spread of this disease which will determine whether the lockdown is extended or not,” he said.
He said the decision will be made by President Cyril Ramaphosa with the main purpose in mind to protect the lives of the country’s citizens.
Cele, together with Cassel Mathale (Police Deputy Minister), General Kehla Sitole (National Commissioner) and senior members of the SA Police Service’s management team, carried out an oversight engagement in Secunda and eMalahleni today.
Also read: Earbud fake news video man to appear in court
Cele inspected the local taxi rank and some vehicles were impounded because it was business as usual for taxi drivers.
At a roadblock on the N4 near the Balmoral off-ramp, Cele addressed the media and said there has been a decrease in rapes, murders and house robberies and this he said could be as a result of police visibility.
He also attributed the decrease in serious crime to the temporary ban on alcohol.
“There are a lot of lessons to be learned from this time that can be taken forward,” he said.
Cele thanked the law enforcement personnel who are enforcing the national lockdown in the province.
“You are doing a remarkable job,” he said.
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za)
