New data shared by Minister of Police Bheki Cele shows what the country’s most common offences during the lockdown have been, as well as how many people have paid admission of guilt fines.
In a Parliamentary Q&A, Cele revealed that throughout the lockdown in South Africa, 270 000 people had been arrested thus far for contravening regulations.
SA residents are given the option to pay an admission of guilt fine for less serious offences. Overall, 22 815 people have chosen to pay the fine up until June 19, according to Cele. Admission of guilt fines, however, still give the offenders a criminal record.
Approximately 199 677 people are scheduled to appear in court for their crimes, or are yet to pay their fines.
Cele cited the follow statistics:
– Limpopo had the highest number of fines paid (11 417), followed by Gauteng (3148) and KwaZulu-Natal (2466). Residents in the Western Cape paid a total of 194 fines.
– During Level 5, the most common offences included failure to remain confined to residences except for essential services and goods
– Many businesses and entities during Level 5 and 4 failed to cease operations other than those involved in essential service delivery
– During Level 4, the most common offence was people continuing to gather or meet in groups despite regulations
– As of Level 3, the most common offence has been the illegal sale of tobacco products or e-cigarettes
South Africa is still grappling with regulations and trying to handle the ongoing cigarette ban. More fines and offences could still lie ahead for South Africans as the lockdown continues.
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