Lockdown: Brand South Africa Director Suspended, 131 Officials Arrested

A director of the board of Brand South Africa and ANC councillor has been suspended after allegations of breaking the lockdown by having a birthday party with friends. At the same time, 131 security force members, councillors and government officials have been arrested for violation the Coronavirus regulations.

Tebogo Mamorobela was suspended pending an investigation into allegations she contravened the lockdown regulations in Limpopo by having a birthday party attended by several people, and “brought the organisation into disrepute,” according to a statement today by the Presidency.

A video allegedly of Mamorobela, who is also an ANC councillor, went viral several days ago.

The police confirmed last week Thursday that a 13-year-old councillor and two others were arrested in Makhado, Limpopo, for contravening the lockdown.

https://twitter.com/AdvoBarryRoux/status/1251118942548090881

Announcing the arrests today of 131 security force members, government officials and councillors, the Police Minister Bheki Cele expressed concern at the large number.

Among them were two Sergeants from Katlehong, Gauteng, who were arrested after allegedly demanding a bribe from a businessman, who had contravened the lockdown regulations on Monday.

Cele said the two allegedly promised the businessman that they would destroy the docket in exchange for R12,000.

“The members we have arrested face a variety of charges relating to the prohibition of the selling of liquor during the lockdown where some were caught drinking, some buying and selling liquor, some for corruption and defeating the ends of justice, some for organising gatherings in contravention of the regulations, some even going as far as allegedly staging break-ins in the Western Cape – just to go and steal alcohol from closed liquor outlets,” the Minister said.

At this stage, Cele said it needs to be emphasised that the only permit that may be obtained from the police, which can also be obtained from a Magistrate, is for travelling across provincial boundaries to and from a funeral. Police are not responsible for any other lockdown permits.