SPEAKER NOTES FOR POLICE MINISTER GENERAL BHEKI CELE ON REGULATIONS TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF COVID HOSTED AT THE GCIS IN PRETORIA  ON THE 29 JUNE 2021

Morning to you All

I would like to start my address by welcoming the Presidential pronouncement, that the vaccination of SAPS members will kick-off on the 5^th of July.

The Police Ministry received a comprehensive briefing from the SAPS managament on this matter.

We are satisfied that the inoculation of over 180 thousand SAPS members and suppporting staff will go ahead as planned.

COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 666* police officers.

While we gear up for the vaccination of officers in the frontlines, we know that for the next two weeks it will not be business as usual as we operate under adjusted alert level 4.

Over and above the National vaccination program that is underway, breaking the chain of transmission by reducing person-to-person contact remains a priority as Government, if we are to flatten the curve.

We are aware this approach will take adherence to the Lockdown Regulations.

Law enforcement officers will play a critical role in ensuring mass compliance of the level 4 rules.

Security forces have their our work cut out for them.

I however want to assure the country that while law enforcement is up to the task, their aim is not to arrest and criminalise people in mass.

As a country we are ALL wiser to the effects of this deadly virus.

We ALL know the pain and disctruction COVID-19 continues to cause us as a nation AND I am confident, there will be more compliance to the regulations set out to save lives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Those who chose to drop the ball and chose to trangress, they must know that Police will be left with no choise but to act.

For the next coming days everyone who lives within the boarders of this country is expeted to;

• Wear a mask at ALL times when in Public.
• Observe the curfew that is in place from 9pm to 4am.
• Not to partake in any gatherings – whether indoors or outdoors.
• Adhere to social distancing and health protocols when attending a funeral with 50 mourners or less.
• Night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed. 

• While you may still go to the beach and parks, there cannot be any gatherings in those public spaces.
• The transportation and sale of alcohol both for on-site and off-site consumption is prohibited. 


Members of the Media,

Non-compliance of these regulations and some others gazetted in the Disaster Management Act will result in a fine or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both.

Since the 27^th of March 2020, 465 098 people have been charged with the contravention of the Disaster Management Act

 7 439 of them were nabbed during adjusted alert Level 3 which commenced on the 16^th of June 2021.

Police will continue to monitor compliance through targeted operations, which will be intensified in hotspot provinces.

Community members are also encouraged to continue to be instrumental in reporting the flouting of the regulations.

I want to take this opportunity to remind the nation that reckless calls for mass contravention of the Disaster Management Act, have no space in our society.

Police will act decisively against anyone who deliberately and unashamedly contravenes the Regulations.

In the same breath, let me emphasize, that mass gatherings are NOT only prohibited but are criminalized under adjusted alert Level 4.

Political leaders of all parties are urged to act responsibly during this time and be reminded that no amount of political mileage is worth people’s lives.

The President has warmed us all that ‘complacency comes at a high price”

Don’t let your life and that of your loved ones, be the price.

Let us ALL play our part in flattening the curve.

Rest assured that the police and all security forces are on hand and WILL continue to play theirs.

ENDS

I Thank you.