Ndabeni-Abrahams Pays R1, 000 Fine For Lockdown Lunch Violation

Suspended Minister of Communications, Telecommunications & Postal Services, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has paid admission of a guilty fine of R1000.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said Ndabeni-Abrahams was charged with Contravention of Regulation 11 B of the Disaster Management Act. M.M.

“Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has been fined R1,000 for breaching lockdown regulations,” she said.

“She will need to appear in the Pretoria District Court on 22 May to pay the fine as an admission of guilt.”

Earlier this month, the presidency announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa had placed Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months – one month of which would be unpaid.

The minister now has a criminal record, says Mjonondwane.

Earlier this month, Mduduzi Manana, a former deputy minister of higher education and training, posted a picture to Instagram of Ndabeni-Abrahams and others having a meal at his house during the lockdown.

President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Ndabeni-Abrahams, on “special leave” for two months, of which one month is unpaid, for violating the lockdown regulations.

“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,” said Mjonondwane.

The President reprimanded the Minister and directed her to deliver a public apology to the nation.

Ndabeni-Abrahams said at the time: “I regret the incident and I am deeply sorry for my actions. I hope the President and South Africans will find it in their hearts to forgive me,” said N

She added: “The President has put me on a special leave with immediate effect. I undertake to abide by the conditions of the special leave  .”

“I wish to use this opportunity to reiterate the President’s call for all of us to observe the lockdown rules. They are a necessary intervention to curb the spread of a virus that has devastated many nations,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.