Limpopo party people: Nearly 500 arrested on NYE for breaking lockdown laws

Almost 500 people were arrested in Limpopo during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the province. Despite strict lockdown laws being enforced earlier this week, some revellers were caught trying to defy Level 3 restrictions.

Limpopo lockdown arrests – what Level 3 offences were reported?

The Waterberg District saw the highest number of rulebreakers, as SAPS officials cuffed 149 people during New Year’s. That was closely followed by the 146 arrests made in Capricorn, and 138 in Vhembe District. There was better behaviour in Sekhukhune, as 59 offenders were collared.

Mopani set the best example, however – just four arrestable offences have been logged since Thursday. Limpopo SAPS went on to explain what ‘crimes’ kept their officers occupied overnight.

• Since Thursday, a total of 496 people in Limpopo have been arrested for breaking lockdown laws.
• Some of the suspects were arrested for not wearing masks in public places.
• Others were booked for failing to confine themselves at their places of residence during the curfew.
• The illegal use of fireworks in prohibited places accounted for several arrests.
• And of course, there were plenty of ‘liquor offences’ – public drinking and illegal transportation of booze were reported.

SAPS praise ‘largely compliant’ public – despite mass arrests

“The South African Police Service in Limpopo arrested 496 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 yesterday, 31 December 2020 until this morning in all five districts of the Province.”

“Even though the people of Limpopo were largely compliant during the crossover, these figures are a manifestation that law enforcement officers were relentless when enforcing these regulations. The operations will continue for the entire period of the lockdown. People with information about any criminal activities must contact their station commanders.”

SAPS statement

#sapsLIM #SAPS Limpopo arrested more than 400 people for contravention of reg under Disaster Management Act since 31/12 until this morning. Arrests were for failing adhere curfew, not wearing mask in public places & transportation of alcohol. #TightGrip SWhttps://t.co/8l9RvIAtUe pic.twitter.com/GAxDDgYGL1

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 1, 2021