Lockdown violation admission of guilt fines come with criminal record

Admission of guilt fines for lockdown violations have been gazetted for use in the lower courts.

The list of offences with their respective admission of guilt fines were considered after talks with the national prosecuting authority and members of the judiciary.

It should be noted that paying an admission of guilt fine still leaves the accused with a criminal record.

Of the 25 charges one could pay an admission of guilt fine towards, the most topical include disclosing any information contained in the Covid-19 database if it is not for the purpose of addressing, preventing or combating the spread of Covid-19. This carries a R2 000 fine.

The accommodation sector should also take note, as failure to produce first names, surnames, identity or passport numbers, residential addresses and contact details for every person staying at the establishment carries a R3 000 fine.

Falsely accusing someone of having Covid-19 carries a R3 000 fine, while publishing any statement to deceive the public about Covid-19 carries a fine of R1 500.

Spreading fake news through publication about government measures around Covid-19 carries a fine of R2 000.

Employees who fail to provide staff with a suitable face mask when in the workplace could face a fine of R1 000.

The same violation results in a R500 fine for principals and managers of schools or early childhood development centres.

Unauthorised evictions come with a R3 000 fine during lockdown level 3 while those who violate curfew could face a R1 000 fine.

No admission of guilt fines are applicable for the sale, dispensing and distribution of alcohol, tobacco and all tobacco-related products during lockdown.

These fines are effective from July 24, 2020.

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