Victor Maphosa Herald Correspondent

Police are deploying to the re-opened farmers and produce markets to ensure orderly marketing and enforce rules on social distancing after 2 191 people were arrested in the first week of the 21-day lockdown.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said more officers will be deployed to the markets to ensure food was delivered to all centres.

“We will deploy more officers to maintain peace and order in various markets where farmers will be delivering and selling their farm produce,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“We want to encourage farmers to practice health measures, especially the social distancing and putting on some protective clothing to reduce the spread of the pandemic.”

Asst Comm Nyathi urged members of the public to comply with the measures put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“The number of people arrested to date across the country has risen to 2 191,” he said. “As police, we are concerned about that trend. It shows that the public continues to defy the lockdown directive by engaging in various offences.”