Eastern Cape police arrested about 1400 people between 24 December and 2 January for transgressing Disaster Management regulations.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, said the arrests were made in identified areas across the province.
He said 1 168 people were arrested for breaking the curfew, 139 for not wearing face masks and 22 for transporting liquor in violation of the regulations under the adjusted Level 3 lockdown.
Kinana said 26 taverns were closed for “non-compliance” while thousands of litres of alcohol were confiscated.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General, Liziwe Ntshinga, said the arrests must send a clear message to those determined to undermine the Disaster Management Act Regulations.
“It must be understood that all non-complying tavern owners and those who disregard curfew regulations will be arrested and prosecuted,” she said.
SAPS said Safer Festive Season operations were continuing throughout the Eastern Cape to ensure that all the people in various communities are and feel safe.
