Cele: Buying, selling and transporting alcohol prohibited during lockdown

There will be no buying or selling of alcohol during the 21-day national lockdown, and the walking of dogs is another act that is prohibited despite earlier reports that it will be allowed.

This was according to Police Minister Bheki Cele who on Wednesday outlined prohibited acts that ought to be adhered to during the lockdown to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

“No liquor will be sold during the 21-day lockdown. Equally, the movement of liquor between any two points is also strictly prohibited as per the coronavirus Covid-19 disaster management regulations,” said Cele.

He added that individuals found to be breaking these laws may be subjected to six years in jail or a fine.

“There was a little story about walking dogs. There shall be no walking of dogs. You can walk your dog around your house,” said Cele in direct contradiction to previous utterances made by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

Cele said citizens should know that they are not prohibited to walk their dogs outside the premises of where they reside.

According to the police minister, even though the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has been deployed, the police will “be increasing visibility and conduct integrated foot patrols, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints as of 23h59 on Thursday evening”.

“Metro police departments as well as other law enforcement agencies will form part of these joint operations that will be conducted for the duration of the lockdown. Operations, especially roadblocks, will be conducted at sector policing level within communities and residential areas, on provincial and national roads,” said Cele.

He said these measures would ensure the movement of people and vehicles was kept to a minimum, with the exception of the transportation of essential goods and services which include fire and medical emergency services.

Cele also said “religious, organisational, recreational venues, including parks, beaches, markets, pools, reserves, bazaars, clubs, casinos, hotels, lodges, guest-houses (with conditions), resorts, taverns, shebeens, shisanyama” would all be closed during the lockdown.

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