- Revellers breaking Covid-19 regulations were dispersed and street parties shut down in Soweto.
- Liquor outlets failing to adhere to regulations were closed and alcohol confiscated.
- MEC Faith Mazibuko condemned the non-adherence to Level 1 regulations.
Police had to deal with thousands of people partying in Diepkloof, Soweto, on Saturday night, with no social distancing and many not wearing masks.
Venues were packed to the rafters, with vehicles blocking access to streets.
The SA Police Service and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department took the "O kae Molao" operation to Diepkloof as part of law enforcement during the Easter holiday.
Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko decried the non-adherence to Level 1 regulations by revellers in Soweto.
Street bash is not permitted. #OkaeMolao #SaferEasterHolidays pic.twitter.com/X19duwL8Kb
— GP Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) April 3, 2021
"This is a titanic approaching, more infections are coming. People are sharing hookah pipes and not wearing masks. Isn't it that we're supposed to be wearing masks and not sharing anything? What's happening here is very disappointing," Mazibuko told eNCA on the sidelines of the police operation.
Gauteng @SAPoliceService Major General Mthombeni addressing the members of the media on #OkaeMolao operation that is currently underway. pic.twitter.com/kfBrdS2Agl
— GP Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) April 3, 2021
She added that the widespread disregard for Covid-19 regulations would soon lead to more infections.
As part of police operations over the weekend, a man was arrested in connection with the torching of a police vehicle at a Muldersdrift tavern and an attack on two police officers in the early hours of Saturday morning, said acting Gauteng police commissioner Major-General Tommy Mthombeni.
Patrons of an unlicensed liquor outlet allegedly attacked the officers, who had responded to a complaint of disturbance of the peace at Video informal settlement, News24 reported.
Police also arrested the tavern owner.