Bheki Cele: Mpumalanga Premier under investigation for showing up maskless in public
Grief seems to have left the Mpumalanga Premier numb to have the audacity to show up without a mask in public. South Africans go on a social media rant to slam Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane’s conduct at the funeral of Minister Jackson Mthembu yesterday. Speaking on the issue, the Police Minister Bheki Cele has this to say:
“The wearing of masks in public is non-negotiable. If South Africa wants to beat this invisible enemy which is Covid-19, we simply can’t let down our guard down. This is why I have spoken to the national commissioner of the South African Police Service General Khehla Sitole to look into the matter of the premier and an investigation must be conducted and necessary action must be taken,” Cele says.
Mpumalanga Premier under investigation
Since the pandemic broke out worldwide, killing millions, it is now mandatory to wear a face mask. Failure to adhere to regulations is now a criminal offense. “Any person who fails to comply with a verbal instruction to wear a mask commits an offence. Upon conviction the person is liable to a fine. He/she may face a period of imprisonment not exceeding six months or both,” Bheki Cele adds.
The Mpumalanga Premier however issues a statement of apology describing her mistake as a momentary lapse as she was oblivious of the fact that her mask had fallen off. “The premier notes the images circulating on social media. Here the premier is without a mask as per regulations to combat the spread of Covid-19,” her spokesperson comments.
Mpumalanga Premier under investigation
“The premier was of the belief that the mask was intact as had been the case throughout the proceedings. The premier’s aides promptly sought a replacement mask which the premier utilised for the rest of the proceedings,” she adds.
To validate if these claims are true, Bheki Cele calls for an investigation. “This is why the national commissioner of the South African Police Service General Khehla Sitole is going to look into the matter. An investigation is on going so that necessary action must be taken,” Cele says.
“The premier has extended an apology to the people of Mpumalanga for that momentary lapse wherein her mask fell without her being aware or conscious of it. The premier has emphasized the importance of adhering to the Covid-19 regulations,” she said.
Bheki Cele: Mpumalanga Premier under investigation for showing up maskless in public