MPUMALANGA – Police Minister, General Bheki Cele on Tuesday 07 April 2020 visited Mpumalanga and took to the streets of Embalenhle in Secunda and Witbank, to assess enforcement of, and adherence to the COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
Minister Cele was accompanied by Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, Premier of Mpumalanga Ms Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, MEC for Community Safety and Liaison Ms Gabsile Shabalala as well as the National Commissioner, General Kehla Sitole, Deputy National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sindile Mfazi, and management of the SAPS in the Province.
After addressing the integrated parade of law enforcement officers and health practitioners at the Embalenhle Social Club, the delegation visited roadblocks, shopping centres and taxi ranks. At one taxi rank in Witbank, police impounded four taxis after Police Minister found that passengers were loaded outside of the timeframes stipulated in the lockdown regulations.
The manager of an established chain store in Witbank was arrested after the Minister and his entourage found the deli in full operation, selling cooked food to customers in contravention of the regulations. Another chain store at KG Mall in Embalenhle, the manager was given a R1000 fine for contravening the regulations.
Minister Cele welcomed the efforts of the business sector, especially mall managers who continue to put measures in place to assist government in curbing the spread of the corona virus.
The Department of Health continues to play a critical role and Minister Cele commended the presence and active involvement of health practitioners in the operations. A mobile clinic was set up for screening at one of the roadblocks.
