Police minister granted bail

RELEBOHILE TSOAMOTSE

MASERU- Magistrate Peter Murenzi on Tuesday granted Police and Public Safety Minister, Lehlohonolo Moramotse M500 bail. This was after Moramotse appeared before the Maseru Magistrate court and was charged for contravening the 2020 Public Health regulations. (Covid-19 2020). The minister allegedly bought liquor from a liquor store in Borokhoaneng on April 5 and thereby contravened the regulations.

According to the regulations, all businesses and entities shall cease operations during the national lockdown safe for those businesses and entities involved in the manufacturing, supply or provision of essential services. There is also a total ban on not only the sale but distribution or transportation of liquor during this period

“All premises selling liquor as set out in schedule II shall be closed during the period of the lockdown.”

However, Moramotse was caught on camera buying liquor from a Chinese shop and according to the charge sheet, he is charged for contravening Covid 19 regulations.

“That the said accused is charged with contravening regulation 3 (5) and 3 (7) and 6 read with Regulation 11 of Public Health Regulation No. 3 of 2020,” read the charge sheet in part.

Section 3 (5) reads “For the period of the lockdown, everyone shall be confined to his place of residence unless the person has to leave the residence to provide or acquire and essential service or goods” while section 3 (7) states that all places and premises not involved in the provision of essentials goods and services shall remain closed to all persons for the duration of lockdown.

Moramotse is represented by Attorney Qhalehang Letsika and it is expected that a date of hearing will be secured immediately after the national lockdown.