STAFF REPORTER|
MINISTER of Police, Bheki Cele, has slammed the conduct of Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, who was seen on national television not wearing a mask in public.
The incident took place on Sunday morning at the funeral of the late Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, which was attended by senior government officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, David Mabuza.
Cele said the wearing of masks in public is non-negotiable and any person who fails to comply with a verbal instruction by a law enforcement officer, to wear a mask, commits an offence, and is, upon conviction, liable to a fine or a period of imprisonment, not exceeding six months or both.
“This is why I have spoken to the National Commisioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla Sitole to look into the matter of the Premier and an investigation must be conducted and necessary action must be taken,” said Cele.
Cele’s spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said Cele would like to remind all South Africans that the wearing of a mask in public is mandatory for every person, under the adjusted alert Level 3 Lockdown regulati
Mtsweni-Tsipane’s office said the premier had noted the images circulating on social media wherein she is seen without a mask as prescribed by the state of disaster regulations.
“Upon arrival at the cemetery and disembarking from her vehicle, the premier’s mask was somehow damaged and she was oblivious of that when it fell,” her office said.
“She thought it was intact as it was the case throughout.”
According to the statement, her aides promptly sought a replacement mask which she utilised for the rest of the proceedings.
“The premier has extended her sincere apologies to the people of Mpumalanga and the country for that brief moment wherein her mask fell without her being aware or conscious of it,” her office added.
“The premier has emphasized the importance of adhering to the Covid-19 regulations and continues to urge the people of Mpumalanga to constantly wear masks, practice social distancing and sanitise or wash hands frequently.”
(SOURCE: INSIDE POLITICS)
