The hardest part about winning the fight against coronavirus (Covid-19) is getting humans to collectively look beyond their self-interests. This video showing how a team of Eastern Cape officers busted a house party during lockdown is all the proof we need to substantiate the latter.
Level 3 lockdown revision on alcohol use
Under Level 3 lockdown, restrictions are eased. It almost feels like things are back to normal, except, social distancing is still the order of the day.
Most industries have reopened and the sale of alcohol has been unbanned with conditions. Under Level 3, liquor stores can only operate between Monday and Thursday.
People who purchase alcohol can only consume the products in the confines of their home. You are not allowed to drink in public and you are only limited to a few items per purchase.
Gatherings of any kind, with the exception of funerals and church services (these are limited to 50 people), are still prohibited.
Eastern Cape Covid-19 stats updated on Saturday 6 June
These rules are particularly enforced in regions deemed to be hotspots. The Eastern Cape on the radar as a potential hotspot, as infection numbers have been on the increase.
According to the latest figures released by the health department, Eastern Cape has the second-highest infection and death totals.
We expect these figures to be updated but as of Saturday 6 June, the province recorded 5 629 infections and 101 deaths.
Based on what the data says, Eastern Cape could be the next epicentre after the Western Cape falls from its peak.
This paints a worrying picture since, in terms of modernity, the Eastern Cape is not as advanced as provinces like the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Watch: Eastern Cape police crash illegal lockdown party
However, this was least of these partygoers worries. A video clip surfaced online, showing how police officers from King Williams Town were called out to a house party on Saturday night.
The young partygoers were captured on video as they were hauled into the back of a police van, all dressed up to the nines for an illegal gathering.
What charges will the partygoers face?
The main question on everyone’s mind is, will the partygoers be charged and prosecuted? There is no easy answer to this, as the gravity of the infraction is a great determiner to assess the nature of the case.
Remember, these guys broke the National Disaster Management Act which overwrites the lockdown regulations. So, getting caught at a house party is a pretty serious offence.
We can’t speculate without facts from the police but if we had to take a guess, we believe the partygoers will get away with a slap on the wrist.
The only way things could go awry is if one of them had tested positive for Covid-19 and blatantly ignored the advice from health officials to self-quarantine.
In that case, the disobedient patience would be charged with attempted murder and face the possibility of spending years in jail, if found guilty.
