According to police spokesperson Sgt Nellie Dwaba, the arrest was executed by Nigel Metro Police task team members on April 20, after they received information from the public.

Upon arrival at the spaza shop, the owner was reportedly prompted to show the task team around the premises. He was asked if he was (prior to the lockdown) selling cigarettes to the public, which he confirmed and metro police officials then asked the owner to take out all the cigarettes he had been selling from his shop.

“The owner went to collect several boxes from his house, which contained cartons of cigarettes with purchase invoices. He also produced several cartons of illegal cigarettes, which was kept in his vehicle,” Sgt Dwaba said.

After perusal of the invoices, metro police officials found that not only was the shop owner selling cigarettes to members of the public during lockdown, but he was also in possession of and selling illegal cigarettes.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with contravening the Disaster Management Act. The suspect was expected to appear in Nigel Magistrate’s Court on April 21.

Sgt Dwaba also confirmed that another 18 people had been arrested since April 13 for defying the lockdown regulations. This varies from people roaming the streets freely without permits and people selling alcohol and cigarettes.