S Africa minister fined over lockdown lunch visit

Johannesburg, Apr 22 (AFP) South Africa's communications minister has paid an "admission of guilt" fine for lunching at a friend's house during lockdrgown, the national prosecuting authority said Wednesday.

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams was placed on special leave earlier this month for flouting a stay-at-home order meant to curb the spread of coronavirus.

She was suspended after a picture posted on Instagram showed her having lunch at the home of a former deputy minister during the second week of lockdown -- which came into force on March 27 and is set to run through to the end of April.

A statement from the National Prosecuting Authority said Ndabeni-Abrahams had paid an admission of guilt fine of 1,000 rand ($53) for failing to confine herself to her home.

Ndabeni-Abrahams has also been summoned to appear before a court next month.The state alleges her lunch stop was "unlawful" under lockdown regulations, which only allow citizens to leave their homes for groceries, pharmaceuticals and medical appointments.

The minister issued a public apology shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa placed her on a two-month leave.

To date South Africa has recorded 3,465 cases of coronavirus, making it the second worst-affected country on the continent after Egypt.(AFP) AMSAMS