Johannesburg – Police Minister Bheki Cele has urged people to avoid gathering such as funerals amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Under lockdown level 3, no more than 50 people are allowed to attend a funeral service. Cele has warned South Africa against “after tears” events.
“We have seen an increase of these after tears. Please, don’t make us arrest people at funerals. It is a painful thing to do. If you go to funerals and drink there, organisers and the family will have to take care that it doesn’t happen,” Cele said.
Cele made these comments during a Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) briefing on Wednesday.
He also said that parties were not allowed.
“You cannot take your alcohol next door and drink there. Cele can’t go to Mthembu. Cele must drink by Cele and Mthembu by Mthembu.
“Once you come together that’s a gathering. As you have said, if you drink in car in the road, that’s public. If you really want to drink in a car, park it in the garage. You can drink there”.
Cele also warned that police would increase patrols and wouldn’t allow the sale of alcohol.
“There will also be random stop and search operations to ensure the prohibition of the trade of alcohol and tobacco is not being subverted. Law enforcement officials will depend on the cooperation of community members,” said Cele.
