Gauteng government talks tough on crime this festive season

The Gauteng government, led by acting premier Panyaza Lesufi has warned that law enforcement will continue manning the province this festive season and show no mercy towards those flagrantly disregarding the necessary COVID-19 protocols.

“Tough action will be taken against anyone breaking the law,” he said.

Government will continue with anti-crime operations throughout the festive season period including roadblocks, inspection of retail stores, restaurants and bars. The drive has managed to yield some results to far, with authorities managing to handcuff 976 people in a space of a week.

Gauteng has so far recorded more than 259 000 infections of COVID-19.

In a statement, Lesufi said the provincial government had taken note of videos circulating on social media platforms showing young people partying in large numbers with little or no adherence to non-pharmaceutical measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19.

“Large gatherings and parties are known to be super spreaders of COVID-19 and must be avoided. As the country is now in the second wave, with a sharp increase in new cases, driven by a recently discovered new variant of COVID-19, it is absolutely necessary for all of us to play our part to stop the spread of the virus,”

Acting Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi

The Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize has said that the youth has been partially accounting for the substantial rise in COVID-19 infections, during the second wave.

Lesufi: ‘Let us protect ourselves from COVID-19’

In light of the pandemic, Lesufi has reminded residents that the festive season is far different this time and called for co-operation. He has further encouraged South Africans to embrace the ‘new normal’ so as to stay safe.

“We have to adapt to new ways of celebrating and bonding with families and friends,” he said.

The acting premier has also emphasised the importance of residents protecting themselves by applying the necessary measures, including using sanitiser and maintaining distance.

“Adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as maintaining physical distancing, wearing of masks and regular hand hygiene, remain the most effective tool in protecting ourselves and others against the virus,” Lesufi said.

“Let us protect ourselves and others by avoiding the ‘three Cs’ [namely] Closed spaces, Crowded places and Close-contact settings,”