KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
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1 APRIL 2020
THE VILLAGE
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A new way of life Writer De Waal Steyn
PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
T
he first few days of the national lockdown in the Overstrand were characterised by confusion over the rules and regulations and resulted in several misunderstandings, as both the authorities and residents got used to this new way of life. As the new week dawned, authorities were hard at work sorting through the logistical problems and clearing up misunderstandings with regard to the implementation of the lockdown rules, regulations and procedures. Over the past few days the social media were awash with questions and queries about, amongst others, social distancing, what businesses are allowed to operate, opening hours and transport. (Read more on P 3) According to Brig Donovan Heilbron, SAPS Overberg Cluster Commander, a large number of arrests of people who contravened the lockdown rules had been made since Friday. “We have also issued more than 200 fines to people who failed to stick to the rules. In addition, people who were caught selling alcohol were arrested and the liquor confiscated. Not only will they be charged with contravening the Liquor Law, but they will also be charged for failing to comply with the lockdown regulations. We want to send a strong message to those who think they are above the law that we will apprehend and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.” Compliance with the lockdown regulations was not taken equally seriously in all areas of the Overstrand. Law enforcement officials had their hands full in townships across the region as residents either did not want to or could not comply with the regulations. In these areas many people were walking around in groups and children could be observed playing on pavements and in the streets. Several people also took to the streets for informal games of soccer.
The owners of Stitchcraft in Hermanus, Wanda and Ken Naylor, paid a quick visit to Checkers in the CBD to buy some essential items on Sunday. There were very few people in the shop, meaning that residents are adhering to the lockdown rules.
By Sunday, determined efforts by law enforcement agencies and councillors started to pay off as residents were reminded of the rules and asked to practise social distancing. “It is not always easy to implement the rules, especially in informal settlements where, for instance, a shack does not have a garden or a secluded area for people to use outside. It is impossible for them to stay inside their shacks 24 hours a day,” said Heilbron.
ity for their children,” he said.
According to him, the permission for taxis to operate on Monday to assist people to collect their social grants was a big help, despite the fact that it meant that large numbers of people were moving around.
the suburbs where HPP was doing patrols were mainly peaceful. “The Cliff Paths were quiet while in the CBD it was busier, mainly around the supermarkets that were trading. Only one crime-related incident was reported after HPP operators spotted someone on a CCTV camera entering the premises of a business in Mimosa Street in the industrial area. The SAPS were alerted, and a suspect was arrested,” he said.
“We want to repeat our call for people to ensure that they remain at least 1.5 metres away from one another and for parents to take responsibil-
Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) Director of Operations, Barry van Vuren, reported that although it was busy in Swartdam Road,
According to Van Vuren, there were isolated incidents of people placing rocks in roads and throwing stones at law enforcement officials.
Heilbron reiterated that it was against the law to go for a jog or to walk your dog.
