20 Oct 2020

Officer commanding district no.5, Senior Superintendent Peter Gochela, has raised concern about the increasing number of people who fail to adhere to health protocols in Maun.  

Speaking during a media briefing in Maun on Monday, Snr Supt Gochela said from June up to date, they had registered 826 cases of non-compliance.

He said non-compliance increased chances of the COVID-19 pandemic spread.

In June, the police registered 125 cases of non-compliance, July they registered 129 cases, in August 216and in September cases stood at 179 while in October, they have already registered 177 cases.

He explained that  offences inlucded failure to wear masks, social distancing, restriction of illegal brewing and sale of alcohol, maintenance of COVID-19 registers in public transport and availability of sanitisers in public transport.

Snr Supt Gochela reiterated that from June up to date they charged 22 people of illegal brewing of alcohol, 10 for selling liquor without trade license and four cases of liquor outlets selling alcohol after the recommended time.

He said they came across issues of non-compliance during the weekends from Saturday to Sunday in the evening when people went out for shopping and illegal chilling sessions mostly along the Tlhamalakane River and people who congregated in public spaces to drink alcohol.

Snr Supt Gochela promised to intensify efforts to fight non-compliance.

He said they would increase their charge to exceed P500 and repeat offenders would be taken to court and if found guilty, they would serve a maximum of six months imprisonment.

“Let us all take part by adhering to COVID-19 protocols because they were meant to reduce the virus spread”, Snr Supt Gochela said. ENDS