Breaking the lockdown laws in Tshwane could cost you between R1,000 and R5,000

SAPS patrols to enforce lockdown regulations amid concern over the spread of Covid-19. (Michele Spatari / AFP)

• Failure to wear a mask in public, as well as selling and drinking alcohol in Tshwane, will result in a fine of at least R1,000.
• A fine of R1 500 will be issued for those who do not wear masks in public, R5 000 for those who do not comply with the national curfew and R5 000 for the sale, dispensing or transportation of liquor.
• A fine of R1000 will be issued for the consumption of liquor in public places and R5000 will be issued for businesses that do not close at 8:00 PM as indicated.

If a mask is not worn in a public area and other confinement regulations are violated in Pretoria and its surrounding areas, violators of the law will pay a minimum fine of R1,000.

The city of Tshwane has vowed to force its citizens to wear masks in public or stand up to the law.

Karen Meyer, a member of the Mayor’s Committee on Community Safety and Emergency Services, said Wednesday that they will enforce compliance and have a zero-tolerance approach to lockdown regulations.

Meyer said the City would further strengthen and strengthen law enforcement, police visibility, communication and awareness.

Zero tolerance

“We will ensure that everyone wears masks in public and abides by the curfew. We will prevent alcohol-related trauma and enforce alcohol-related bans by targeting prohibited social gatherings and blockbuster events,” he said.

Officials from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) would also monitor public transportation compliance and ensure venues are closed in terms of regulations.

“The TMPD will adopt a zero tolerance enforcement approach towards compliance in public transportation, prohibited assemblies, and the sale, distribution and transportation of alcohol and driving under the influence.

“While the updated fine schedule for the Tshwane Magisterial District has not yet been received, individuals who fail to comply with the regulations can expect a fine or imprisonment of up to six months,” Meyer warned.

Violations in other magisterial districts range from R1,500 for not wearing a mask, R5,000 for not complying with the national curfew, and R5,000 for the sale, dispensing, or transportation of liquor.

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“A fine of 1000 rand will be issued for the consumption of liquor in public places, and 5000 rand for companies that do not close at 20:00 as indicated or exceed the prescribed number of employees and customers allowed in the premises.

“TMPD’s enforcement approach will be particularly strong on New Years Eve and New Years Day, with several joint operations taking place with City departments and other law enforcement agencies,” Meyer said .

The city is expected to deploy 1,000 officers on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, to join the SAPS and the national and provincial traffic police.

Meyer said his specific focus would be on areas known for large, spontaneous New Years gatherings.

Permanent traffic checkpoints at all points of entry into the city will be operational starting Wednesday, giving healthcare professionals the opportunity to conduct checks, while contributing to the local crime prevention effort by searching seizure of contraband and other items related to crime.

“The central strategic intent of the TMPD implementation plan is to curb alcohol abuse and, in doing so, minimize alcohol-related trauma and unnecessary hospital admissions,” Meyer said.

Meyer urged residents to travel and visit family only when necessary and to do so in a responsible manner.

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