Incredible 19 000 vehicles stopped in Mpumalanga over five days. SAPS conducted roadblocks across the province.
The movement of people between the provinces will end on Thursday, 7 May 2020 just before midnight.
This arrangement was meant to allow people who were locked in other provinces other than where they reside or work to return to their respective provinces.
In line with the declaration by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Ms Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the movement by people to other provinces was permitted from 1 to 7 May 2020.
This means that from 8 May 2020 interprovincial movement will be prohibited. This arrangement along with easing of the lockdown to level 4 and returning of most people to work this week, there was increased traffic volumes on most roads in the province.
The Provincial traffic law enforcement officers working with the police and members of the SANDF, stopped 19 207 vehicles between 1 and 5 May 2020.
Over 450 of these vehicles were issued with notices to discontinue. 24 vehicles were discontinued due to defects.
The traffic volumes are further expected to increase on Thursday as most people will be rushing to other provinces.
READ ALSO: Roadblocks across the province help curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
Although there are about 14 law enforcement operations across the province, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Ms. Gabisile Shabalala has called on those who will be travelling to do so safely.
She reiterated a call to motorists to obey the rules and to also abide by the provisions of the prevailing Lockdown.
She is reminding those wanting to travel to be aware that once they are in other provinces after 7 May 2020, they will no longer be allowed to move across provinces.
MEC Shabalala is also appealing to all taxi operators to ensure that no passengers are allowed inside their vehicles without face masks.
Shabalala again encouraged the law enforcers to spur no effort in dealing with those who break the law.
READ ALSO: Police officials assist in roadblock in Mpumalanga
“Government is working around the clock to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and in order for us to win, everyone must respect measures put in place to eradicate the pandemic. Therefore, those who disobey the law should face the consequences of their behaviour,” said Shabalala.
The MEC has meanwhile urged the communities who visit shopping centres to respect social distancing.
She is deeply disturbed by some community members who do are not observing social distancing while they are shopping.
According to the MEC, management and shop owners should put measures in place to minimize chaos at their premises.
