48 arrested in three days, MEC blames it on alcohol

The Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison sent a stern warning to people who violate the Covid-19 Regulations.

This follows the high number of crashes that took place over the weekend in the province, Shabalala said those who fail to comply should be arrested so that messages are sent to those who think they can get away with breaking the rules.

According to the MEC, this high number of crashes have occurred in the first weekend just after the country has been placed on Alert Level 2 of the Lockdown.

Shabalala warned that this is a strong indication that people are not adhering to the rules.

The province recorded 48 crashes over the weekend, in three days with at least nine fatalities, 54 serious injuries and 46 slight injuries. Most of these crashes took place at night.”

Despite the easing of the measures, the MEC expressed that communities need to be cautioned that the virus is still there, therefore they need to continue adhering to the Regulations.

“The easing of Lockdown was done to open up the economy but it does not mean people can do as they please.” 

” Many lives are lost due to negligence and violation of rules. As much as we try not to lose many lives through the Covid-19 virus, we should not add into these numbers with road crashes.”

“That is why police must arrest those who are found drinking in public, those who drive under the influence of alcohol and those who go to or operate alcohol outlets during restricted times,” she says.

Shabalala further encourages law enforcers to continue monitoring compliance and ensure adherence.