Details of fines for SA’s lockdown law-breakers

South Africa’s Office of the Chief Justice has released details of the fines that will apply to those who break lockdown laws.

The charges, which are applicable under the Disaster Management Act, carry a maximum fine of R5 000 for certain offences, although they do drop as low as R500 for other legal indiscretions.

Nathi Mncube, spokesperson for the Office of the Chief Justice, said the fines were determined by chief magistrates in consultation with other stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“The section provides that a magistrate of the district may make determination of amounts of admissions of guilt fines in respect of certain offences,” said Mncube.

Fines are in line with the Level Four lockdown regulations

These are admission of guilt fines that offenders may elect to pay in certain circumstances, rather than appear in court. These are in line with the new Level Four lockdown regulations which were introduced from 1 May.

It is important to note that fines may vary by district. At time of writing, not all districts had published their lists. Some districts may also elect to give a presiding magistrate the power to determine what action should be taken against an offender, rather than stipulate a specific fine.

Some examples of fines levied in Tshwane

For example, the following is a selection of (but not all) admission of guilt fines payable in the districts of Tswane Central, Tshwane North and Tshwane East:

Intentionally exposing another person to COVID-19	R5 000.00
Illegal eviction of a person(s)	R5 000.00
Convening of a gathering	R3 000.00
Misrepresenting that a person is infected with COVID-19	R3 000.00
Sell, dispense or distribute liquor	R2 000.00
Hinder a law enforcement officer	R2 000.00
Illegally moving children	R1 000.00
Sell tobacco and related products, including e-cigarettes	R1 000.00
Retail stores selling illegal goods	R1 000.00
Illegally moving between provincial and other boundaries	R1 000.00
Illegally walk, run or cycle	R   500.00
Illegally leave residence during curfew	R   500.00