The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has warned residents against flouting lockdown regulations after the arrest of more than 50 people over the weekend.

Between Friday August 13 and Saturday, 14 August 2021, 53 people were arrested across the City for the contravention of the Disaster Management Act curfew regulations.

Three additional arrests were also made for driving under the influence as well as reckless and negligent driving. Most offenders were nabbed in Regions D (which include Soweto) and F1 (which include the Joburg CBD), with 26 and 16 people arrested respectively.

The country is currently under Alert Level 3 lockdown, which prohibits the movement of persons between 22h00 – 04h00, with strict exceptions. Any person who fails to abide by the curfew commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to a fine or a period of imprisonment not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

The JMPD said it was concerned by people who disregard lockdown regulations and added that the police department would not hesitate to act accordingly against those who insist on breaking the law.

“We remain committed to maintaining law and order in the City of Johannesburg. We appeal to all residents to adhere to the Disaster Management Act regulations to ensure that we curb the spread of Covid-19,” JMPD Spokesperson Xolani Fihla said.