[WATCH] Concern over ‘abuse’ of permits, as Joburg nabs 3 at roadblock

The roadblock was set up by the Johannesburg metro police amid concerns that Gauteng motorists are flouting the lockdown regulations.

Only essential services workers and motorists with the necessary permits are allowed on the roads over the 21-day period.

Johannesburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo admitted to concerns that permits are being used frivolously.

“Even though people are showing us their permits and they look like valid permits – some are going to banks, some are going to their businesses, but they don’t seem like they are essential services,” said Makhubo.

“I think the permits are there, but they are being abused. They are not being used for the essential services that are meant to be.”

A man who claimed to be on his way to his grandmother was arrested at the roadblock.

Mayoral spokesperson Mlimandlela Ndamase said the man was taken to a nearby police station along with two others.

“At this particular roadblock we have had three arrests. What we are picking up is that people are moving around doing their normal chores without having any essential services that they are providing.

“It’s something that the mayor has agreed that we must escalate to national and provincial government.”

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