05 Apr 2020

Maun have charged 46 people for failure to comply with extreme social distancing regulation.

Officer commanding, Senior Superintendent Peter Gochela revealed in an interview that the majority of those charged were motorists who were not cooperative at roadblocks.

Since the beginning of the extreme social distancing on April 03, police embarked on operation to ensure compliance. He stated that people who violated the regulations would be liable fines not exceeding P5000 or six months imprisonment.

He appreciated that some heeded police advice and returned to their homes while some were allowed to go and collect travel permits.

Senior Superintendent Gochela also noted that they experienced another challenge on April 03 at the district commissioner's offices as members of the community flocked there seeking permits.

He said that besides few incidents experienced, residents of Maun had taken the message of extreme social distancing seriously as they stayed at home.

Senior Superintendent Gochela noted that they would keep on monitoring the situation to ensure 100 per cent compliance.

Meanwhile, some elders have welcomed the decision by the government to impose extreme social distancing.

One of the elders, Mr Chitani Mlaize of Thito ward in Maun explained that the extreme social distancing was a good decision as some members of the community were not taking safety measures seriously.

He said people should understand that the government cared about their health and welfare as COVID-19 had no cure and wished people could stay home until the extreme social distancing period ended.

Ms Lebonang Seaswetseng of Kgosing ward who also welcomed President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s decision to declare a state of public emergency said it was worrisome that some children and elders were roaming the street and failing to maintain social distancing.

Ms Seaswetseng however appreciated that there was reduction in movement and encouraged fellow residents to adhere to precautionary measures. ENDS