Covid-19 update: Crooked cops and food relief scandals in spotlight
As the lockdown enters the fourth consecutive week, some serious issues are beginning to become transparent in South Africa. Briefly.co.za explores six of the latest updates on the coronavirus crisis.
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From food shortages to alleged widespread corruption in both the government and police services, South Africa is baulking under the pressure of an extended lockdown.
Briefly.co.za explores six of the top stories as the nation continues to endure the pandemic.
1. Video shows cop praying before arresting pastor during lockdown
A dedicated and god-fearing policeman was recorded praying to God, explaining why he was about to arrest a pastor for violating social distancing rules during the lockdown.
The video was shared on social media by Fikile Mbalula; he saluted the officer:
"I salute him, man in uniform. #COVID19SouthAfrica"
2. SAPS officers arrest other cops for disobeying alcohol ban in lockdown
The ban on alcohol has been giving South Africans chest pains, and it appears even police officers are trying to get their hands on some booze.
In an official statement released on Monday, the SAPS confirmed that five police officers working at the Namahadi Police Station in Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State Province were arrested for disregarding the alcohol ban during lockdown.
The statement revealed the five officers, including a police reservist, were allegedly part of a group drinking booze at a tavern on Saturday, 18 April.
"They initially escaped as members were about to pounce on them. However, they were later arrested yesterday, Sunday, 19 April as they reported for duty."
3. Coronavirus: Man busted trying to smuggle girlfriend in boot of car
'Unlucky in love' has a new meaning after a Gauteng man was caught red-handed trying to smuggle his girlfriend over provincial lines.
MEC Faith Mazibuko revealed that the man had been stopped at an N12 roadblock on Friday, following which officers asked to search his boot.
With no permit, the man was already in trouble but when the cops found out that his girlfriend was hiding in the trunk, the situation escalated.
The couple had been attempting to travel to Mpumalanga but instead earned themselves a vacay in jail for their efforts.
4. Food relief scandal: DA accuses ANC councillor of pocketing thousands
The Democratic Alliance has accused ANC councillor Paseka Mabaso of collecting R3 from households seeking food aid amid the coronavirus crisis.
But the rot goes much deeper, with accusations that the ruling party has been excluding the needy and unfairly distributing desperately-needed food parcels.
The party has vowed to take action on the matter, calling the ANC's integrity in the Gauteng region into question.
5. Covid-19: Crooked cops arrested after stealing R30k from motorist
Six police officers, meant to serve and protect, have been busted for allegedly stealing instead.
In a statement issued by National Commissioner of SAPS General Khehla John Sitole, it was revealed that the officers from the Brooklyn and Silverton stations had allegedly stolen R30 000 from a motorist.
The victim had been stopped at a roadblock operation in the region amid the national lockdown when the incident had taken place.
The motorist had not possessed the needed permit to travel and the officers allegedly demanded a R100 bribe. After accepting the bribe, the police searched the vehicle and discovered the money. The funds were pocketed, leading to their eventual arrest.
6. Covid-19: Dlamini-Zuma bans sale of hot cooked food during lockdown
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has amended regulations concerning food items allowed during lockdown.
Dlamini-Zuma has now outlawed the sale and purchase of cooked hot food items for the rest of the extension.
The rules in this regard had previously been unclear, with numerous reports of supermarkets still selling products of this nature.
Clarity has now been provided in the form of the new regulation published on Monday afternoon, allowing for the sale of food items with the exception of 'cooked, hot food'.
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Source: Briefly News
