'Zero illicit brews cases since alcohol ban'

In interviews following the recent alcohol ban, commanders across the police stations state they have not recorded any cases of illicit brews. They have, however, raised concerns that there could be a surge as the alcohol ban remains in force. One may wonder if people have not started preparing illicit brews as there is stock available for the black market or they are afraid of the recently leaked stiff penalties on enforcement of COVID-19 regulations by the acting police commissioner Phemelo Ramakorwane.

In the leaked savigram, the acting police commissioner revealed to have discovered that members of the public charged for disobeying COVID-19 laws are in most cases given minimum fines. Ramakorwane further stated that the said fines are in most cases too low and never bring about the desired effect in terms of deterring the public from committing offences.