Thousands held for breaking lockdown in S. Africa

A consistently high number of people have been arrested for violating lockdown regulations over COVID-19, Police Minister Bheki Cele said on Friday.

By close of business on March 31, the total sum of arrests had reached 17,209 since the kick-off of the 21-day lockdown on midnight March 26, Cele said in a statement.

Offences vary between unauthorized travel and liquor sale, and general non-compliance with the regulations, the minister said.

He urged communities and all stakeholders to cooperate and comply to minimise the risk of exposure of both themselves as well as the 24,389 law enforcement members to COVID-19, said Cele.

"We really do not want to arrest people but to contain the spread of the virus," he said.

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Metro Police Departments and all law enforcment agencies will remain on deployment throughout the lockdown period, he said.

Cele issued the statement as police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), launched an investigation into eight deaths which have allegedly occurred at the hands of police since the start of the lockdown.

According to the IPID, six deaths came as a result of police action and the remaining two were in police custody.

The IPID is also investigating 38 cases against police officials across the country for misconduct during the lockdown.

But Parliament on Friday commended "the good work" done by both the SAPS and the SANDF in enforcing the lockdown.

"Despite the challenges posed by this virus and the threat to life, the security subdivision of the state has embraced the calling to serve and protect South Africa and all who live within it," said Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police.

"Their sacrifice and commitment to serve their country is both commendable and appreciated," Joemat-Pettersson said.

Cyril Xaba, Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, echoed Joemat-Pettersson's view.

"A collaborative effort between communities, the SANDF and the SAPS will go a long way in empowering us to defeat this disease. The only way to conquer this virus is through adherence to all regulations, as set out by government, and adherence to protocols set out by the World Health Organiztion," Xaba said.

Both committees, however, have noted with concern various reports suggesting that the security forces are abusing their powers in enforcing the regulations.

Both Joemat-Pettersson and Xaba reemphasized the call made by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the police and soldiers must act at all times with compassion and within the confines of the law.

The senior management of both the SAPS and the SANDF must urgently investigate the allegations of abuse of power, implement corrective measures against those identified to have erred, and put in place strategies to prevent such occurrences from happening again, said a statement jointly issued by Joemat-Pettersson and Xaba.