The cost of breaking curfew: City of Joburg puts ‘huge fines’ in place

The City of Johannesburg has published a new schedule of offences that could see residents fined extensively for ignoring the guidelines on COVID-19. Those caught breaking curfew or transporting alcohol face the harshest penalties, with the possibility of a six-month jail term also looming over certain rule breakers.

The new punitive measures are already in place, meaning that those trying to flout the law with their New Year’s Eve celebrations could be in for a costly surprise. These developments came on the same day Police Minister Bheki Cele told citizens of South Africa to ‘be in bed by 21:00’ – getting curfew mixed-up with the concept of ‘bed-time’.

Latest COVID-19 figures in South Africa

COVID-19 cases are spiralling out of control in South Africa. Yesterday saw the highest ever daily increase for new cases, as 17 000 infections were reported. The country was relegated to Level 3 of lockdown on Monday, as a newer, more infectious strain of the virus continues to accelerate this relentless second wave.

In-keeping with the theme of 2020, ringing in the new year is strictly a home-based activity for South Africans on this occasion, and a number of four-figure fines will be imposed in Johannesburg to maintain law and order. Make sure you’re on the right side of the law this evening – and, for the weeks and months ahead.

Happy new year? Fines for ‘breaking curfew’ – and other offences – in Johannesburg

You can also expect a crackdown on public drinking, alcohol transportation, and mask-wearing…

• Breaking curfew (between the hours of 21:00 – 6:00): R3 000
• Transporting liquor between two points: R3 000
• Drinking in public: R1 500
• Failing to wear a mask when instructed: R1 500
• A full schedule of arrestable offences, and what constitutes a fine in Johannesburg, can be seen here…

Announcement Alert 📣#Level3 determination of admission of guilt fines in respect of offences in terms of disaster management act 2002 (act no 57 of 2002) regulations 2002#JoburgCares #COVIDAlert ^LM pic.twitter.com/2uDQnNkfxU

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) December 30, 2020