The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster (JCPS) outlined the security protocols applicable to Level 3 of the nationwide lockdown during a briefing this evening [May 28].
The JCPS cluster consists of the Ministers of Departments of Police, Home Affairs, Justice and Correctional Services, and Defence and Military Veterans.
Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, reiterated the regulations regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol. As previously set out, liquor will only be sold from Monday to Friday. Liquor will only be allowed to be consumed in private residences.
Bheki stated the importance of the ban on gatherings and reminded residents to refrain from gatherings, unless under the exceptions provided such as funerals and worship services of 50 persons or less or other work related meetings.
He also stated that buying cigarettes is against the law, and being in possession of illegal cigarettes is a punishable offence. “Be prepared to tell the police where you got your cigarettes,” Bheki said.
Any citizen found with tobacco products must be able to provide a receipt showing when and where they bought the product.
Members of the public took to Twitter, expressing their disapproval:
I will see them in court. Possession of cigarettes is not a crime. Buying and selling is.
If they had told us at the very beginning, we may have kept slips. They did not so we didn’t.— Stormy 2 (@GailAllan15) May 28, 2020
Garbage…. There are NO laws that prevent you from smoking or having possession of cigarettes.
— Dezik (@dezikrabe) May 28, 2020
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula outlined the duties and responsibilities of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The Minister also highlighted the SANDF code of conduct to familiarise the public with acceptable behaviour. This includes:
– The SANDF must respect the rights and dignity of individuals at all times and will be held personally responsible for their actions.
– Members do have the right to defend themselves.
– They must disperse crowds during looting and allow the South African Police Service (SAPS) to take over.
– They are not permitted to shoot unless in self-defense.
– The SANDF don’t carry warrants of arrests and may not set up road blocks or search cars.
– They may not enter the premises of individuals or search homes.
The Minister added that the public should not provoke or insult law enforcement agents.
To read more regulations as outlined by Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, see here.
Picture: Twitter/AdvoBarryRoux