Cele warns transgressors of imprisonment and fines if found guilty

HIGHLIGHTING the fact that 666 police officers have lost their lives to Covid-19 so far, Police Minister Bheki Cele is “confident there will be more compliance to the regulations than before” from the public under the adjusted Level 4 rules.

While outlining the new lockdown measures with other National Coronavirus Command Council members yesterday, Cele welcomed President Cyril

Ramaphosa’s announcement that the vaccination of SAPS and security personnel members will kick off on July 5. More than 180000 SAPS members and supporting staff will be vaccinated.

Cele warned again that the contravention of lockdown restrictions might lead to a fine or six months’ jail, with transgressors ending up having a criminal record.

Since March 27 last year, 465098 people have been charged for the contravention of the Disaster Management Act. A total of 7 439 people have been arrested during the adjusted alert level 3 restrictions this year.

“Over and above the initial vaccination programme, breaking the chain of transmission by reducing person-to-person contact remains a priority of the government, if we are to flatten the curve.

“We all know the pain Covid-19 continues to cause for us as a nation. I am confident there will be more compliance to save lives than before. Don’t let your life and those of your loved ones be the price. Let us all play our role in flattening the curve.

“Those who choose to transgress must know that police will be left with no choice but to act,” said Cele.

The minister reminded the nation that the reckless ignoring of mask contraventions has no “space in our society”, which he said some political and business leaders have been guilty of.

On the sale of alcohol, he warned businesses that they might lose their stock, be imprisoned and have their liquor licence withdrawn.