Durban - Two men who were caught transporting liquor in defiance of lockdown regulations were fined R1 000 and are expected to appear in court next month.
The government banned the sale, distribution and transportation of alcohol for the third time on December 28 so that hospitals can focus on Covid-19 patients instead of dealing with alcohol-related trauma cases.
According to KZN police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, the Zululand District Task Team had been conducting an operation at the weekend on the R66 near Mkhuze River.
“During the operation, the team pulled over a vehicle with two occupants travelling along the R66. The vehicle was stopped and a search was conducted.
“Upon searching the vehicle it was discovered that the occupants were transporting liquor. The vehicle was travelling from Pongola and the liquor was destined to be delivered at Mashona and Mahlabathini.”
She said the suspects aged 33 and 35 were arrested and charged according to the Disaster Management Act. Their next court appearance is on March 1 at the Magudu Magistrate’s Court.
In a separate incident in the North West province last week, a milk store owner and customer were fined for the purchasing and sale of alcohol. According to police, liquor worth over R16 000 was found hidden in potato bags and confiscated. The store manager, 54, was fined R5 000 and the customer, 50, paid a R1 000 fine.
IOL