Watch: Woman resists arrest, tells SAPS to keep ‘one metre distance’

Don’t get it twisted, we are firm advocates of social distancing and minding other people’s space during this global health crisis. However, hoping that these guidelines can spare you from arrest is a step too far. A woman, thought to be in the Western Cape, went viral for her tirade against SAPS officers this week.

Citizen tells SAPS to keep a one metre distance durring arrest – and goes viral for her troubles

Three law enforcement officials are seen trying to get the irate citizen into the back of their car. However, she violently thrashes about and refuses to be detained. There’s a darkly comic element to this arrest, though.

The woman attempts to talk her way out of handcuffs. Her offence hasn’t yet been established, but she thought her water-tight reasoning would be enough to let her go free. She can be heard telling the SAPS representatives to keep a one metre distance, and insists that they “are not allowed” to touch her.

Watch the “one metre distance” video here:

Stay indoors guys pic.twitter.com/iVbkJQ58AO

— Love (@she_speakslife) May 5, 2020

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— Yaya Johennesse (@Yaya_Johennesse) May 5, 2020

SAPS acted within the law during viral arrest video

The scene has caused something of a light-hearted reaction across social media. Many have labelled the woman under arrest as a “Karen” – a term you might have to do some catching up with…

Just to dispel what the arrested lady was saying, SAPS do indeed have the right to touch, detain or handle anyone they feel is breaking the law. Their powers cannot be enacted in a way that is conscious of a fast-spreading illness, so the next-best solution is to observe lockdown regulations properly and avoid giving the police a reason to throw you in the back of their van in the first place.