Police intensifies crackdown on curfew violators

Police has strengthened enforcement of curfew, citing increased crime rate due to laxity in observing SOPs instituted to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

CP Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, says while there’s “much anxiety and lockdown fatigue… and the decrease in caseload”, it’s important to note that “the rates of recoveries are still low” and “there are also threats of new variants on the African continent which calls for vigilance.”

Additionally, he said, “non-compliance to the curfew timings has allowed for crimes to start creeping back slowly; especially simple robberies, aggravated robberies, theft of boda bodas and murders etc.”

That being said, police has tasked frontline officers to increase checks and raids to counter all violators of the curfew timings of 9pm – 6am.

“Most notably are bars, discotheques, concerts and related entertainment, public gatherings of not more than 200 persons. We also are targeting motorists who are not observing the load capacity of 70% especially in taxis, mini-buses and buses as well as saloon cars,” the police spokesman said.

According to Enanga, trucks carrying sand will also be disrupted for searching, as there is intelligence that they are facilitating burglaries and housebreakings through the transportation of stolen household properties.

“The suspected stolen items like laptops, computers, TVs, fridges, etc are concealed in the sand and transported,” Enanga said.

Police says the motorcycle taxi riders are still not allowed to move beyond 6pm.

“Therefore, all those riders and passengers who continue to take advantage of the curfew time, should anticipate, disruptions in their movements. Some of the bodabodas switch off lights and ride under the cover of darkness, which places other road users, the rider and the passengers at greater risks,” Enanga said.

“The curfew enforcement will continue this week, with penalties for those found breaching the rules, including charging them to court under section 117 of the Penal code act, for negligent acts likely to spread an infectious disease and disobedience of lawful orders under the public health controls.”