PIENAAR – National Lockdown, strictest cautions have to be applied by security forces in order for communities to abide by the rules.
This was expressed yesterday by the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Gabisile Shabalala during a joint operation by the SAPS, SANDF and the provincial traffic department together with the Mbombela traffic department.
The CBD, Ilanga and Emoyeni Mall were some of the places visited to enforce the compulsory wearing of face masks, sanitization and upholding of cleanliness by both shoppers and businesses.
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“I want to appeal to all of you, especially members of the SANDF not to be too hard on non-complying communities. Remember, we come from a difficult past during our liberation struggle, whereby, our communities were dealt with harshly by soldiers of the apartheid regime. It’s a different scenario now.”
Shabalala said there may be unruly elements but believes if the authorities aren’t too harsh, people will fully comply.
The operation began at the Nelspruit Taxi Rank where they addressed commuters and taxi operators. The rank was full of commuters awaiting to be transported back to their homes in the different townships and villages. There were also long distance travellers awaiting to return to their respective provinces.
“I want to make it clear that local taxis must comply to the initial rule of operating between 08.00-10.00 and later from 16.00-20.00. Long distance operators can ferry passengers back to their destinations in neighboring provinces one-way only.
They have to keep their passenger lists to be presented at roadblocks ahead. No permits are required for them until May 7, according to the rules set out for Covid-19. I must also warn you that you don’t transport shoppers, but those who had been locked up here,” she stated.
The next stop was the CBD area among hawkers and stores. The emphasis was on checking out on compliance by both these sectors on sanitation, cleanliness and adequate numbers entering and leaving stores.
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Shabalala then led her entourage to Ilanga Mall, Emoyeni Mall where they inspected several stores, hawkers and the local taxi rank.
“My earnest appeal is for business owners to ensure that their customers wear face masks, are sanitized at entry points and the businesses are compliant to all the rules and regulations. I picked up at some that they are not using the 70 percent alcohol sanitizers.
If we all comply, we will win this war,” she concluded.
