Brenda Mahuma, Executive Mayor of the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM), has applauded residents who have complied with the nation-wide lockdown rules, but has also given a stern warning to those who refuse to obey.
“We have seen some members of the community who continue to gather at a restaurant on Nandi Street; having house parties; and others who are still freely roaming the streets. This is behaviour that regresses our progress in the national fight against the pandemic,” Mahuma said.
Mahuma further warned that those who continue to disregard the law and refuse to honour an order from the president, are posing a severe risk to those who have committed themselves to fighting the virus.
“We have made several requests to all our police stations to enforce discipline, simply because we cannot afford to have rowdy elements and individuals within our population who fiercely oppose this call and are deliberately setting us back,” Mahuma said.
She added she was also disappointed to have received the news that bottle store owners are still selling alcohol to people.
“We have appealed to law enforcers to pay specific attention to such individuals. The law must prevail. We further appeal to pub owners to desist from conducting themselves badly as their actions are contrary to the spirit of persons determined to fight Covid-19.
“The law must not be lenient to such ill-disciplined individuals; it must be harshly applied,” Mahuma warned.
Mahuma went on to say that in order to intensify the fight against the outbreak of Covid-19, the municipality and the Gauteng Department of Health have set up a testing station at the Greenhills Stadium in Randfontein.
“The purpose of the testing station is to preliminary test individuals suspected of being infected and refer such individuals either to be quarantined or to self-isolate. The testing station will operate from Monday to Sunday between 8am to 4pm,” Mahuma said.
Mahuma said the MEC for Health in Gauteng, Bandile Masuku visited Mohlakeng on Monday, 30 March to conduct some health checks and do educational work at Shoprite, Pick n Pay, SASSA pay points and the Post Office.
“I call upon residents of Rand West City to be disciplined and stay at home. Your honouring the call will contribute towards the fight against Covid-19. I am confident that if we honour the period of lockdown diligently, we will overcome the scourge. The tool to victory is within your hands. Use it wisely,” Mahuma said.
