Nyakallo Tefu
Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has been fined R1 000 for breaching lockdown regulations.
Ndabeni-Abrahams, who pleaded guilty, was charged with the Contravention of Regulation 11 B of the Disaster Management Act and has been served with summons to appear in the Pretoria District Court on May 22, with an admission of guilt fine of R1000.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, preliminary investigations have revealed that Ndabeni’s visit to the Manana home was not for purposes of rendering essential service or obtaining essential goods, collecting a grant or seeking medical attention as per requirements of the COVID-19 regulations.
The NPA said the penalty against the minister should send a message that all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law.
On 5 April 2020, Ndabeni-Abrahams failed to adhere to government’s regulations when she visited former Deputy Minister of Higher Education Mduduzi Manana’s home for a family lunch.
Manana posted the pictures on his Instagram account and went viral on social media platforms.
A few days later, President Cyril Ramaphosa summoned her to the Union Buildings and placed her on special leave.
