POLOKWANE – The South African Police Service in Limpopo confirmed a decrease in contact crimes reported during level five and four of the nationwide lockdown.
Provincial Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo told BONUS that since the country moved to level three on 1 June, the police have still not seen an increase in contact crimes. The police took time to intensify patrols around the city and surrounding areas to ensure that people complied with the regulations during level four and five, he said.
“The convoys of police officers in areas such as Penina Park, Flora Park, Bendor and Ster Park ensured that people adhered to the regulations. The patrols were done mainly at night where the officers tried to ensure that people were confined to their homes, as stipulated by regulations pertaining to the National Disaster Management Act.”
According to Mojapelo, due to the easing of restrictions, police are going to be focusing more on crime prevention as opposed to patrols.
“We have come out with strategies on how to combat crime in the city. There will still be patrols but they will be aimed at preventing crime more than ensuring that people adhere to the regulations.” He added that because there is no curfew and permits are not required for movement within the province, the patrols will be reduced.
Mojapelo says that for the duration of the lockdown, law enforcement agencies will still ensure that their presence is felt at all times. He urged that people not take advantage of the eased regulations, and to still observe the regulations that are in place.
