Police Minister Bheki Cele has revealed that about 7000 people have earned themselves criminal records by contravening level 3 lock down regulations and walking around without their masks on.

In an interview with eNCA, Cele explained that wearing a mask was mandatory during the adjusted level 3 lock down adding that failure to adhere to the regulation would get one arrested.

“Before that, it was us urging you to wear your mask but no further steps could be taken. Now we take you to the police station and take your finger prints.  You can choose to either pay the fine or see the Magistrate.”

Cele indicated that a total of 20,116 people had been arrested for various violations of the Disaster Management Act between 29 December and 11 January.