Two police officers at two different cop shops in the Western Cape have tested positive for Covid-19, resulting in the stations being decontaminated and all staff members screened.
Members of the public who had been at these stations have been asked not to panic, but to contact the government’s hotline.
At the weekend, national police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo confirmed a Warrant Officer at the Athlone Police Station became the first cop to test positive for the virus in the Cape.
He says the station was immediately evacuated and 20 officers have since been placed in self-isolation.
The Community Service Centre located next to the building is still operating, providing a service to the public.
The second case emerged at Hermanus Police Station on Monday where an officer tested positive for the virus.
The Athlone cop had reportedly told his shift commander that he had flu-like symptoms including a fever.
Naidoo says the station will reopen today.
CONCERN: A warrant officer at Athlone cop shop tested positive for the Coronavirus
“I can confirm that a Warrant Officer at the Athlone Police Station in the Western Cape has tested positive for Covid-19, the Coronavirus,” said Naidoo.
“This being the first police officer in the Western Cape who has tested positive. The station was immediately evacuated.
“All shift commanders and 20 staff members were placed in self-isolation, pending their test results.
“The Station has since been decontaminated, but it will remain closed until Monday (yesterday).
“Service delivery has not been compromised, the Community Service Centre is still running at the adjacent building.”
Aziza Kannemeyer, the chairperson of the Athlone Community Policing Forum, says services are continuing, but pleaded with residents to respect the lockdown.
“We pray for a complete recovery of the member who tested positive, as well as the shift members who are placed in self-isolation.
“We also want to advise members of the public not to panic, but to use the Covid-19 hotline numbers if they need medical advice, especially those who have been in close contact with the (Athlone) SAPS members.
“Furthermore, our plea is that individuals must stay home.”
At Hermanus Police Station, Naidoo says services are also still continuing.
“It was closed for 48 hours and this was after a member tested positive for Covid-19,” says Naidoo.
“The building is being decontaminated. The Community Service Centre is now opposite the building and we have placed measures so that operations can still continue.”
SAFETY: Athlone Police Station being decontaminated
Meanwhile, at the Shoprite in Athlone, a staff member also tested positive for the virus.
The shop has been closed for decontamination while all staff are being screened and tested for Covid-19.