WC Province remains in peak of third wave

As we approach the weekend, the Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, asks citizens to respect the law and act responsibly. The healthcare system remains under pressure at the peak of the third wave and needs to be protected so that lives can be saved.

Minister Fritz said, “I want to thank the vast majority of our citizens who followed the regulations last weekend, and I ask you to do the same again this weekend so that we can ensure our healthcare system copes during this time of pressure.”

Minister Fritz continued, “last week, from 2 to 9 August 2021, Liquor Inspectors from the Western Cape Liquor Authority conducted a total of 162 inspections and reported high-rates of compliance. The majority of our citizens are working with us. And because citizens are working with us, things did not reach a crisis-level last weekend, and I think we must acknowledge this and thank our citizens for their contribution towards this.”

In addition to the 162 inspections, the WCLA also conducted a total of four integrated operations in which 21 premises were visited with Law Enforcement. Three of these operations were conducted in Nyanga, Philippi and Kraaifontein.

In Cape Town where the fourth integrated operation was conducted, three complaints from citizens were investigated. One of these related to a premises that appeared to be closed, but from which music nevertheless emanated. The Liquor Inspector attending to the scene requested the assistance of SAPS and, upon gaining entry to the premises by force, it was then found that the business was trading in contravention of the Disaster Management Act Regulations, with people dancing and consuming alcohol inside after 21:30. The manager of the establishment was arrested for being in contravention of the DMA Regulations.

Minister Fritz concluded, “the vast majority of our citizen are amazing. They are responsive to our calls and they are working with us. And so I want to thank them, but also appeal to all once again: please observe the regulations this weekend! Work with us to get through this third wave and through this pandemic. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but for now, please observe the regulations.”

Anyone who witnesses any criminal acts, or who has any other information that will assist SAPS in making arrests, are urged to telephone the SAPS Command Centre at 021 466 0011.

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