Ladysmith KZN – 44 people were arrested in Bergville on Saturday, August 29, for contravening the Disaster Management Act.
They obviously did not realise that lockdown is still in effect, as they were at a party with more than 300 individuals.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker says that Winterton SAPS, the SANDF, Public Order Policing (POP) and the Okhahlamba Traffic Department conducted an intelligence-driven multi-disciplinary operation in the Winterton CBD that night after information was received that a party was underway.
44 people were subsequently arrested and received fines of R500 each.
A case of convening a gathering in contravention of the Disaster Management Act was opened against the convener of the ‘bash’, who was also arrested.
Law enforcement agencies impounded 23 vehicles that were used by the culprits.
Okhahlamba Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Mlungisi Dlangisa has condemned this act, saying, ” It is true that 44 people were arrested by police on Saturday night and some got away. Level 2 lockdown does not mean people can contravene the lockdown rules. Covid-19 is still here, so we are urging all members of the public to respect the regulations set out by government to stop the spread of the virus.”
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KZN Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula, has welcomed the continued clampdown of lawlessness. “Citizens are once again urged to comply with the regulations of the Disaster Management Act as police operations intensify across the province.”
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