Durban - A 52-year-old man who allegedly tested positive for Covid-19 but went back to work, has been arrested for attempted murder.
On Wednesday, national police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo confirmed that a case of attempted murder is being investigating by Ladysmith SAPS.
Naidoo said police were informed that the man had come into contact with other residents in Ladysmith.
"The same man travelled to various countries to South Africa. On his return on March 18, he was tested positive with the Covid-19 and was instructed to self-quarantine for at least 14 days pending the blood results. However the allegedly continued with his business and in doing so disregarded the instructions by a doctor thus allegedly contravening regulations in terms of the National Disaster Act pertaining to the Covid-19 virus. The 52-year-old suspect was arrested and removed to a hospital where he is currently being treated," Naidoo said.
Naidoo said a list of 27 people who were at the man's place of business and those at a religious gathering the man attended, were being sought for testing.
"The matter was discussed with the Senior Public Prosecutor for the matter to be postponed in absentia to avoid further contamination," Naidoo said.
On Wednesday, national health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, confirmed that there were currently 709 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in South Africa.
Last week, Gauteng police had to secure a court order to force a Johannesburg family into quarantine. The family had refused to be quarantined after they were confirmed to be have been infected with the coronavirus.
The Mercury