This, after several shops in Reddersburg and Smithfield in the Free State were closed down on Wednesday. The Department's Consumer Protection Unit, together with its head of department, Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ, and the police raided businesses in these two towns where nine businessmen were arrested for non-compliance with the National Disaster Management Regulations as set out by President Cyril Ramaphosa. While small business owners and street vendors are urged to apply for permits to operate, the department confirms those arrested were not in possession of valid municipal permits, for overpricing of food, and failure to meet basic health and safety standards. 

People without South African citizenship were among those who were arrested. 

Nokwequ has highlighted that this should serve as a warning that non-compliance with Disaster Management Regulations will not be tolerated and that the department will continue working with different stakeholders to ensure that they curb the spread of the coronavirus and that everyone adheres to the regulations.

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