The Police in Limpopo arrested four hundred and ninety six people around the province for contravention of alert level 3 restrictions as stipulated in the Disaster Management Act. The arrests were effected during the heightened operations that were conducted from the 31st of December 2020 until the morning of the 1st of January 2021 in all five Districts of the province.

In the Waterberg district the police arrested 149 people four in Mopani, 146 in Capricorn, 59 people in Sekhukhune and 138 in the Vhembe District. Some of the suspects were arrested for not wearing masks in public places, failing to confine themselves at their places of residence during the curfew, using fireworks in prohibited places, and others for dispensing or transportation of alcohol as well as consuming alcohol in public.

SAPS acting Provincial Commissioner in Limpopo, Maj Genl Jan Scheepers thanked the various communities for generally conducting themselves in compliance with the regulations under the Disaster Management Act, even when celebrating the new year.

“This behaviour will strengthen and sustain the already existing sound relationship between the community and police,” said Scheepers. “I also want to thank all law enforcement officers for spending a sleepless night in ensuring that everyone complied with these regulations.”

The operations will continue for the entire period of the lockdown. People with information about any criminal activities are urged to contact station commanders or District Commissioners of their respective areas.

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