Man arrested for selling essential services permits in SA

A Zimbabwean man has been arrested in South Africa for selling essential services permits, allowing businesspeople to go to work during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. 

The man was arrested after police received a tip-off from members of the public in the town of Olivenhoutbosch in Guateng province. 

Undercover officers then contacted the man, asking to buy a permit. 

According to police spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mulamu, officers paid 300 SA rand for the fake permit. 

Police then arrested the 22-year-old and raided his home, where they found a laptop and other documents. 

South Africa is currently experiencing a nationwide lockdown in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

During the lockdown, only essential workers such as health care professionals, financial services providers, journalists and retail workers are allowed to keep going to work. 

Businesses that provide these essential services must apply to the government for a special permit that allows their staff to go outside. 

Photo: Getty Images