Min gespin Khayelitsha and Mfuleni residents are not making it easier for Premier Alan Winde who is trying to get the province to move down to lockdown level 3.
Police and Metro cops had to intervene yesterday when people defied the Coronavirus lockdown regulations by training in groups and holding soccer matches.
In Khayelitsha, an infection hotspot, joggers were running in groups with no social distancing to speak of, and out of the allowed 5km range from their homes.
The country moved to level 4 from 1 May, which allows for exercising outside, on your own, between 6am and 9am.
Videos making the rounds on social media shows joggers at the popular Lookout Hill exercising in large groups.
Residents jogging in groups. Video: Phando Jikelo/ANA
Ndithini Tyhido of the Khayelitsha Development Forum joined the police in dispersing the groups in Khayelitsha on Wednesday.
“We are not against people exercising,” he said. “We are against people doing it in groups.
“There were people who were being mischievous, telling us about their right to exercise, but what about the people they put at risk as there were no masks and social distancing?”
There was countrywide outrage when Sea Point Pavilion was packed with joggers and walkers earlier this month after the easing of the lockdown.
ORDER: Police officials trying to stop Mfuleni lawbreakers. Video: Phando Jikelo/ANA
Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for City Law Enforcement, said no fines or arrests were made in Khayelitsha.
“Law Enforcement assisted the South African Police Service, who was the lead policing agency,” he explains.
“We received complaints of joggers violating the Disaster Risk Management regulations.
“The agencies responded with educational loud hailing and visible policing.
“No fines were issued and no arrests were made.”
On Monday in Mfuleni, opposite the Metro cop shop, people were playing soccer on a veldjie with no officials in sight.
Mense holding soccer matches. Video: Velani Ludidi
Dyason confirmed they only acted after receiving complaints about the daily soccer matches.
“Law Enforcement and SAPS intervened after complaints were received. We ensured those who were there did not violate regulations. No fines were issued and no arrests were made.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said cops are now in talks with communities to obey the lockdown regulations.
“Please be advised that police are continually engaging the community members to obey the Disaster Management regulations and refrain from exercising as a group.”
Khayelitsha became the first township to reach the 1000 mark of Covid-19 infections, seeing an increase of infections especially among essential workers.