Motetema police station decontaminated after member tested positive for COVID-19

MOTETEMA – Motetema police station outside Groblersdal was forced close for 24 hours as the building was being decontaminated after a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) attached to the station tested positive for COVID-19.

According to police, the member has since been placed under quarantine. The decontamination process was finalized on Tuesday, 23 June 2020 and the station was expected to be fully operational from Wednesday, 24 June 2020.

Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said community members were advised that any emergencies and services rendered by the community service centre were available at the station as provision had been made.

Mojapelo said after the incident was brought to light, a mobile community service centre was then brought to the station and placed in front of the police station where members of the community were being served from Monday, 22 June 2020.

Meanwhile, an official at Sekhukhune District Municipality who is attached to the office of the Executive Mayor tested positive for COVID-19.

The situation resulted in a fumigation process of the district municipality’s headquarters in Groblersdal and ratepayers advised to pay for services through Electronic Funds Transfer alternative until Monday, 29 June 2020.

Executive Mayor Ramaila tested for the virus and his results came out negative. Some businesses in Groblersdal and the Groblersdal Mall, mentioned to the paper, were allegedly forced to also close after suspicions of contraction of the COVID-19.

On Tuesday, 22 June 2020, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality accounted for 5 COVID-19 cases; 4 which were active; one recovery and zero death.

Neil Shikwanbane, Limpopo Department of Health Spokesperson, said as far as COVID-19 cases were concerned, they do not profile cases, name those who tested positive, because from experience, they have seen victimization of some of the people who have tested positive and persecution of their families.

Shikwambane said that Regardless of whether there is COVID-19 where you live, they called on people to adhere to protective safety protocols; wearing a mask when they went to public spaces, keep social distancing, sanitise and wash your hands with soap at all times.

“We still isolate people who test positive and quarantine those who are suspected of having a case to ensure that we arrest the spread,” said Shikwambane.