Dry lockdown: ‘No buying or selling of alcohol’ – Cele

Speaking at the justice, crime prevention and security briefing on Wednesday 25 March, Cele dropped a bomb, saying there will be no buying or selling of alcohol during the lockdown period.

A 21-day period of lockdown was enforced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, in efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus. All South Africans have been instructed to stay home and only leave for food or medication. 

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize early on Wednesday said that citizens may still walk their dogs, as long as a large group is not gathering. 

A few hours later, Cele scrapped his decision, saying that no dogs will be able to be walked during the lockdown as it does not comply with the president’s measures. He said that all dogs will need to be walked inside their owner’s home as he says there should be no unnecessary movement outdoors. 

“There was a little story about walking dogs. There will be no walking of dogs. You can walk your dog around your house,” said Cele. 

Cele announces alcohol ban during lockdown

The biggest shocker was when Cele announced that there would be no buying or selling of alcohol during the lockdown. Mkhize added that it is in the best interest of South Africans, as alcohol can impact on one’s safety against the coronavirus.

“There is no need to be on the road, there is no need to move around,” said Cele. 

“No movement of liquor from point A to point B. There shall be no movement. If you break these laws, you will be in prison for six months or be fined or both. 

“It’s not a fairytale to say the law will act very harshly on you. Non-movement will be implemented,” he added. 

Cele added that certain details of an operational plan for the SAPS would be announced at a later stage.

No movement during lockdown 

Cele took to the podium on Wednesday with a list of all things that are prohibited during lockdown. 

The following places will be closed: 

• Religious; 
• Cultural; 
• Sporting; 
• Recreational centres or facilities; 
• Shops or businesses selling things other than essential goods; 
• Parks; 
• Beaches;
• Swimming pools; 
• Open-air markets; 
• Night clubs; 
• Casinos hotels; 
• Lodges; 
• Guest houses; 
• Cele said both public and private game reserves would also be closed;
• Resorts; 
• Taverns;
• Shebeen; 
• Shisanyama;
• Pubs; 
• Bottle stores; 
• Theatres;
• Shopping malls;
• Theatres; 
• Taxi ranks;
• Airports;
• Train stations; and
• Restaurants.