Suspended Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has been fined R1000 after she was convicted of violating lockdown regulations.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended the blunder prone Minister for two months after social media revealed that she had visited a friend for a luncheon, in violation of lockdown regulations.

Ndabeni-Abrahams also issued a public apology to the whole nation for her actions.

She has since appeared in court where she paid a R1000 admission of guilt fine for the offence.

Below is the statement released by the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) on the minister’s court appearance,

22 April 2020 Gauteng Division

Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Postal Services, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams paid an admission of guilt fine of R1000 on 21 April 2020.

Ndabeni – Abrahams was charged with Contravention of Regulation 11 B of the Disaster Management Act and was served with summons to appear in the Pretoria District Court on 22 May 2020, with an admission of guilt fine of R1000 set.

The admission of guilt fine is as per determination by the Senior Magistrate for the Magisterial District of Tswane where the amount of R1000 has been set for the offence of failure to confine oneself to his/her place of residence.

The State alleged that on 5 April 2020, Ndabeni – Abrahams unlawfully and intentionally failed to remain confined in her place of residence by visiting Mr Mduduzi Manana’s place of residence. The investigations revealed that the visit 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 remains committed in delivering justice without fear, favour or prejudice. This penalty should send a message that all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law.