20 Apr 2020

Kasane district commissioner has warned people against applying for permits under false pretences.

In an interview, Ms Sekgabo Makgosa said  in one of the incidents, one person applied for a permit to go to his home village claiming that his mother was missing.

She said her office asked the police to investigate the matter and found out that the story was a lie because the applicant's mother was found at her dwelling place.

Ms Makgosa said those seeking non-essential permits would be interrogated extensively and serious action will be taken against wrong-doers.

“With the growth of the number of COVID-19 cases across the country, my office is going to be strict on the issuance of permits,” she added.

With regards to those buying groceries outside their locality, Ms Makgosa said they should contact her office for assistance.

The office has so far issued 8 540 permits since the start of extreme social distancing exercise on April 2.

Ms Makgosa said records showed that essential permits were on high demand especially in Kasane, Kazungula and Plateau areas.

She said the high number of permits was due to the fact the revised permit expired in a short period of five days. 
 
On one hand, Ms Makgosa encouraged the public to continue to stay home to curb spread of the coronavirus. ENDS