Provincial Joint Operation to intensify law enforcement

The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure is calling on communities to comply with regulations and amendments in relation to the COVID-19.

This comes after several observations by law-enforcement agencies of people not adhering to the regulations. Failure to comply with the regulations will lead to arrest and prosecution. The PJO also urges the community to refrain from attacking law-enforcement officers while enforcing the regulations aimed at curbing the spread of the Coronavirus.

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Co-chairperson of the PJO Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma warns communities to adhere to the regulations following two incidents in Kwaggafontein and Watervalboven.

“We will not hesitate to arrest people who intentionally attack law enforcement agencies when executing their duties. We urge communities to work with the law enforcement agencies to fight this pandemic,” said Zuma.

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Zuma further warned against those hindering the delivery of water after residents of Siyabuswa in the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality who were reported to have turned away water tankers.

“Those people are putting others lives in danger as they need water in order to fight against the pandemic. Such behavior will not be tolerated and those found responsible will face the full might of the law.”

Over 700 people have been arrested in the province for violating regulations since the lockdown took into effect. The arrests include families who defied the travel restrictions to neighboring provinces or areas with children.

Meanwhile, Zuma cautioned business owners to register, sanitize and ensure compliance to social distancing in their establishments as one of the measures to manage the spread of the virus.