The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Geoffrey Makhubo, today, 03 April 2020, joined the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) at two road side check operations which were aimed at checking the compliance of Motorists with the regulations pronounced with the National State of Disaster.

These operations which were held across the City is part of an effort to monitor public compliance with the lockdown and related regulations.

During these operations the Mayor found that there are too many cars on the road, which is concerning as most were not complying with the regulations of the lockdown. The road side operations indicated that there is a need to intensify awareness on the lockdown and to enforce the laws.

At least 17 arrests were made as people were not complying and will therefore be charged through the regulations that have been proclaimed by the Minister of Cooperate Governance and Traditional Affairs in line with the Disaster Management Act.

'We have observed that many people are abusing the use of the permits granted to them, permits are not being used for the necessary essential services meant to be. It is concerning to see many citizens not adhering to the compliance of the Lockdown. There will be no tolerance to those misleading the law enforcement, people who are not complying will be arrested”. Said Mayor Makhubo.

“I urge all, and for every single person to stay at home and only go out when they need to perform essential services. This is for their own safety and health, but also to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.” Mayor Makhubo

The City of Johannesburg will continue to conduct more roadside check operations over the next 15 days across the City to continue to enforce compliance, and where there is non-compliance, there will be arrests made in accordance with the regulations that have been proclaimed by the Minister or Cooperate Governance and Traditional Affairs in line with the Disaster Management Act.

“We also thank those that have heeded the call and are in compliance with the regulations that relate to the lockdown.” Concluded Mayor Makhubo.

 

Issued by The City of Johannesburg