South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Friday 10 April

Stay informed and up to date with all the latest news in South Africa by checking our wrap of headlines on Friday 10 April.

A sombre Easter weekend ahead has been made harder to bear following the president’s announcement that the lockdown would be extended until the end of April. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are expected to be out in full force this weekend, prepared to throw the book at lockdown defaulters looking for an Easter getaway.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Friday 10 April

Ramaphosa extends national lockdown until end of April

After much deliberation, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced what many had feared; an extension of the lockdown period which will now last until 30 April 2020. While Ramaphosa reiterated the need to keep the coronavirus at bay, serious concerns around the extension’s impact on the country’s fragile economy have dominated the discourse. On Thursday night, Ramaphosa said:

“This evening, I stand before you to ask you to endure even longer.

I have to ask you to make even greater sacrifices so that our country may survive this crisis and so that tens of thousands of lives may be saved.

After careful consideration of the available evidence, the National Coronavirus Command Council has decided to extend the nation-wide lockdown by a further two weeks beyond the initial 21 days.

This means that most of the existing lockdown measures will remain in force until the end of April.”

Easter weekend under lockdown

Easter weekend in South Africa is generally typified for travels to the coast, time spent with distant family and neighbourhood Easter egg hunts. Not in 2020.

The national lockdown, which now has three weeks to run its course, has robbed most South Africans of their holiday plans. This year, Easter will be spent cooped-up in doors in accordance with the Disaster Management Act aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

While some South Africans may feel the insatiable need to leave to confines of their homes in search of Easter celebrations, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned that roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and foot patrols would be intensified during this period.

Police behaving badly

Several SAPS members have come under fire in recent days for questionable behaviour.

While allegations of police brutality still persist, attention has turned to claims of corruption and incompetence as cops attempt to enforce stringent lockdown laws.

The South African Breweries (SAB), which had its drivers arrested and cargo confiscated by ‘overzealous’ officers, is seeking legal advice after claiming to be acting in accordance with the ‘essential services’ act.

Another incident, which shows two police officers drinking what appears to be confiscated liquor is currently under investigation. SAPS have said:

“Such behaviour by any SAPS member is unacceptable and condemned in strongest terms by police management.”

Call for councillors to adhere to lockdown regulations

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has called on councillors and municipal officials to work with other spheres of government as well as stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to the regulations aimed at containing the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“It is only through these means that we can collectively defeat this pandemic and ensure the safety of our communities,” SALGA said in a statement on Thursday.

The association expressed concern at reports that some councillors were acting in direct contravention of the regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act and the Code of Conduct of Councillors.

In the first of such reports, it is alleged that a councillor from Matatiele Local Municipality has been found to be unlawfully distributing travel permits to residents, enabling them to move around freely under the pretext of providing essential services in term of the regulations issued under the Disaster Management Act. (Source: SAnews)

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