MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Mossel Bay Municipality has warned that the relevant chief magistrate has determined and signed off the fines that will be issued for punishable transgressions of the Covid-19 State of Disaster Regulations published on 29 December.
In a press release today, Thursday 31 December, municipal spokesperson Nickey le Roux noted: “Residents who do not wear their face masks correctly in public may be fined R1 000 and those who do not comply with the curfew can expect a fine of R1 000.”
Individuals violating any of the regulations regarding alcoholic beverages can expect a fine of R1 000.
Fines have also been determined for businesses that transgress the regulations. Businesses that allow more people on their premises than the permitted limit face a fine of R1 000.
Le Roux noted: “According to the confirmation received this morning from Colonel Grundlingh, acting chief legal adviser of the provincial police, fishing with a valid permit is allowed on beaches in the Southern Cape.
“Anglers are advised that only the permit holder is allowed on the beaches.”
Le Roux warned: “The spreading of false information on Covid-19 matters is a criminal offense. A special appeal is made to those who distribute or share photographs and images on social media to first establish the original source and date of the photo or video.
“Increasingly, security forces are coming under undue pressure when photos from earlier years or events are circulated of large numbers of people on the local beaches when actual inspections prove the opposite to be true.”
Le Roux advised: “The SANDF will soon deploy members in the Garden Route to assist the SA Police Service in enforcing the Covid-19 State of Disaster Regulations.”
Le Roux asked that residents and businesses be vigilant regarding opportunistic crime. “Incidents of shoplifting, robbery of business premises and theft at business premises are increasing and shopkeepers are requested to, where possible, secure their stock of alcoholic refreshments.”
She urged people to constantly secure their homes by using alarms correctly, to not leave valuables in vehicles and to lock vehicles behind gates or garages at night if possible.
Le Roux asked that residents, while at home, still use security gates and good lighting for their safety.
The firing of fireworks in the greater Mossel Bay area is strictly forbidden and residents' co-operation is requested not to fire, Chinese lanterns, rockets, emergency torches, or other fireworks, due to the fire danger posed by the hot, dry climate and veld conditions.
Residents are reminded that municipal service delivery problems can still be reported on the 24-hour check-in line at 044 606 5000.
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