Soccer match gets the boot during lockdown
04 May 2020
The City of Cape Town's Metro Police and Traffic Service Departments continued lockdown enforcements as a number of amended regulations came into effect. The country shifted to level four under the national lockdown and the City’s enforcement services are hard at work to ensure members of the public comply with the revised regulations.
Metro Police took part in several joint operations and arrested four people for various crimes including the illegal possession of drugs, one for the possession of prohibited liquor, two for obstruction of justice and one for burglary.
In addition, officers had to put an end to a soccer match in Philippi.
'Since the first lockdown five weeks ago, the Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic Departments have had their hands full. With the change in regulations, we are seeing an increase in traffic volumes as more businesses open their doors, greater foot traffic through public transport interchanges, an increase in delivery vehicles like motorcycles as restaurants are now able to sell food for delivery, and more people on the roads during the early morning. However, this is not a carte blanche to be outside, in public spaces, and violating the lockdown,' said the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
On Saturday 2 May, Metro Police, in conjunction with the SANDF, SAPS and Law Enforcement, attended to a complaint of non-compliance relating to a public gathering in Philippi.
'About 500 people attended a soccer match and while they dispersed peacefully after enforcement agencies got there, it is unacceptable that they are willing to put lives at risk. The lockdown is a stressful time for everyone, but I implore the public to please familiarise themselves with the do’s and don’ts of level four, to avoid getting into unnecessary trouble with the law.
'There is no doubt in our minds that there will be persons who will push the boundaries and attempt to move around, even though they have no valid reason to do so. It is important to note that the offences and penalties for the transgression of the lockdown regulations remain in place. You can still receive a fine, or even be arrested for being in breach of these,' said Alderman Smith.
Other Metro Police successes include the arrest yesterday of two suspects in Milnerton for the possession of heroin and for the contravention of the Disaster Management Act; there was also the arrest of two more in Kalkfontein on several charges, including the possession of drugs, obstruction of justice and riotous behaviour.
On Friday, 1 May, members in Milnerton arrested a 41-year-old suspect for the possession of Tik, while during patrols in Delft, a 36-year-old man was arrested for selling liquor during the lockdown. Officers seized 3 x 3 litres of containerised wine.
On Thursday 30, the swift reaction of Metro Police officers led to the arrest of a burglar who was caught in the act. Officers responded to a complaint at a Grassy Park address and arrested a 22-year-old man.
Traffic Service officers arrested nine people, impounded two vehicles, and recorded 615 contraventions of the lockdown regulations and issued 2 612 fines for various other offences.
'To those on the frontlines in our Safety and Security Directorate, I say thank you for your continued commitment and determination in helping to keep our city safe.
'It is clear that COVID-19 will remain with us for a long time and so I implore you to remain focused on the task at hand, and do execute your duties with discipline and regard for those you are serving and protecting.
'Also a special word of thanks to our volunteer corps. In the past few weeks, we have seen dozens of accredited Neighbourhood Watches volunteer their services to shore up our volunteer component, and I commend their efforts thus far,' said Alderman Smith.
Drivers' Licence Testing Centres and Vehicle Testing Centres will gradually open for essential service workers to renew their drivers' and vehicle licences.
The opening of the centres will be staggered once inspection and verification on the state of readiness is done.
The number of people who can be attended to daily will be limited and bookings will be restricted to online platforms.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
