Coronavirus blitz by joint operation of SAPS and SANDF for 21 days
Tough measures have been initiated and will be strictly implemented and have to be adhered to by every citizen.
At midnight the much-awaited Lockdown kicks off countrywide and everything will come to an abrupt stop as the country’s security forces take full control of the country.
All citizens are expected to remain indoors except for essential workers.
Below is the lowdown of the Lockdown:
• The JCPS Cluster and the South African Police Service outline and intensify the measures to be implemented to make sure that the intentions of this lockdown are realised.
• With the subsequent deployment of the SANDF, they will be increasing visibility and conduct integrated foot patrols, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints as of 23:59 tonight.
• Metro Police Departments, as well as other Law Enforcement Agencies will form part of these joint operations that will be conducted for the duration of the lockdown.
• Operations, especially roadblocks, will be conducted at sector policing level within communities and residential areas, on provincial and national roads. This will ensure that the movement of people and vehicles is kept to the minimum, with the exception of the transportation of essential good and/or services which include fire and medical emergency services.
• At these roadblocks, particularly on provincial and national roads, motorists, especially essential service workers that cross provincial borders, will be subjected to screening by officials from the Department of Health.
• In terms of the new regulations that have just been gazetted, Police will be responsible to ensure the restriction of movement of persons and goods.
• There shall be absolutely no gatherings other than for a funeral, where the number of mourners will be restricted to 50. • Still on funerals, we need to emphasise that even night vigils will be prohibited.
• The selling of liquor is strictly prohibited. This is applicable to also those supermarkets with liquor licences. No liquor will be sold anywhere by anyone during the 21-day period of the lockdown.
• The movement of liquor between any two points is also strictly prohibited as per the COVID-19 Disaster Management Regulations.
Who falls under essential services?
The President, in declaring the lockdown, made exception to essential goods and services. A detailed list clarifying what these are, is attached as one of the Annexures in the Regulations.
Only those goods and services that appear on these Annexures will be allowed. Anything outside of these lists will not be entertained.
Anyone found to be in contravention of the Regulations, shall be found guilty and on conviction, will be liable to a fine, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both.
PREVENTION OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
• There are plans in place to beef up our FCS Units (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences) to deal with this threat. The number 0800 150 150 can be used to report incidents of gender-based violence for urgent response.
CRIME REPORTING
• All forms of crime must be reported. 10111 will remain fully functional during the lockdown period. The Crime Stop number is also functional and can be used to give anonymous tip offs on suspected criminal activities.
• Police and the SANDF will be visible in the streets conducting foot patrols.
• The best to prevent spread of the Corona Virus, is to adhere to the call by the President and STAY HOME. The only time you should be outside of your home should be to acquire essential services such as medical attention, food, or other goods and services as listed.
• Failure to respect and obey the laws this time around, could drive the country straight into a state of emergency. The situation demands that we all be responsible and take the necessary precautions.
