"The police and the SANDF [SA National Defence Force] are ready to enforce the measures...If you are found guilty you can go [in jail] for six months or a fine or both," Cele said in Pretoria.

He said two people in KwaZulu-Natal have already been charged with attempted murder after they ignored the call not go move around.

Cele warned that walking a dog  was not allowed.

"If you want to walk your dog let it be around your house," Cele said.

He called on South Africans to stay sober during the lockdown period.

He said places of religion, sports, parks, free markets, casino, lodges, hotels and holiday resorts would be closed during the 21 day locked down. Taverns, shishanyama would also be closed.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said 16 correctional officers suspected of being infected with Covid-19 have been tested, 11 tested negative and the were still waiting the the results for the last five.

Lamola said courts would continue during the lockdown but, video links would be used to postpone cases.

"While court services will continue, there will be no transporting of awaiting trial prisoners to the courts for the purpose of postponements during the lockdown," he said.

African News Agency