ABERDEEN NEWS - The Department of Health confirmed late Thursday afternoon that a member of SAPS working at the roadblock outside Aberdeen has tested positive for the Coronavirus.
The colonel is a member of the Public Order Police unit from East London, who had been tested for Covid-19 earlier in the week.
On Thursday, before the results were known, he was still at work, and had taken suspects arrested at the roadblock to the Aberdeen police station.
Capt Ettiene de Beer, station commander for Aberdeen SAPS, announced to the community on Thursday evening, through ward councillor Rudy Jacobs, that the Aberdeen police station would be closed until further notice.
Members will all be tested for Covid-19 today (Friday), and police operations will be run by Graaff-Reinet SAPS from the new station building on Hope Street whilst the station undergoes deep cleaning.
There is no landline at the new building, but police may be contacted on 082 779 7131.
Jacobs voiced the concerns of many, including local SAPS members. “Why was the colonel still at work on Thursday – surely he should have been in self- isolation while he waited for the results?”
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