As South Africa entered level four of its lockdown, Edenvale SAPS arrested 17 individuals for contravening the lockdown regulations.
The arrests were made between May 1 and the evening of May 5.Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said those arrested were found walking around Edenvale after 8pm.
Level four of the lockdown, implemented on May 1, saw a curfew between 5am and 8pm enforced.
Mashile explained the 17 were arrested for failure to confine themselves to places of residence.
“They were not exercising or walking dogs, just walking around.
“Some of the arrested individuals paid an admission of guilt fine of R1 500, while others will face charges in court once lockdown ends,” said Mashile.
Besides the recent arrests, Mashile said Edenvale had seen an overall drop in criminal activity.
“There’s been a definite decrease in crime since lockdown has started.”
As the head of the Social Crime Prevention Unit, Mashile believes the restriction of the sale of alcohol also contributed to the low crime rate.
The number of cases associated with alcohol, such as domestic violence, assault, sexual assaults, driving under the influence and traffic collisions, decreased.
Mashile highlighted that as far as he is aware no arrests have been made for the sale of alcohol or tobacco in Edenvale.
He appealed to the community to continue obeying the regulations and to practise good hygiene and social distancing.
