South Africa police Minister Bheki Cele has revealed that that 7 000 South Africans – and counting, have so far been arrested for not wearing masks in public, under Level 3 of the lockdown.

In an interview with eNCA, Cele said the police have been using their powers of enforcement during the festive season, which has paid off.

https://twitter.com/eNCA/status/1349032218186936322

“Starting from December 27 until January 7, 20 116 people have been arrested. Most of them for liquor offences and the masks. For mask offences, 7 000 people have been arrested,” Cele said.

Cele said, however, that South Africans have realised the importance of wearing masks, not just as an obligation to the level 3 lockdown restrictions, but as a way to counter the spread of COVID-19 and essentially save lives.