A South African court has found some coronavirus lockdown regulations imposed by the government “unconstitutional and invalid”.
The case was filed by a community group, Liberty Fighters Network, who challenged the government’s response measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The high court in the capital, Pretoria, ruled on Tuesday that “the regulations are not rationally connected to the objectives of slowing the rate of infection or limiting the spread thereof”.
It however suspended the judgement for 14 days to give government time to overhaul the regulations.
The cabinet has said it will “review, amend and republish the regulations” but that the measures will remain in place “for now”, according to a statement.
The country has some of the most stringent coronavirus containment measures in the world.
It eased a month-long lockdown on 1 May after dropping the alert level from level 5 to level 4, and to level 3 on 1 June.
Alcohol sales resumed this week following a two-month ban. All gatherings, except for work, religious ceremonies and funerals, are still banned. Travel between provinces is also prohibited, and international flights are cancelled except for those repatriating citizens.
The country has the highest cases of coronavirus on the continent , about 30,000 confirmed so far and 700 deaths.
Latest Stories
- I like performing at award events than receiving awards – Kelvynboy
1 hour - 5 ways to keep your friendships strong even when life is hectic
2 hours - Mahama wasn’t hooted at enskinment of new Yagbonwura; ignore Koku Anyidoho’s fake video – NDC
2 hours - Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and husband celebrate 27 years of marriage
2 hours - Organ-trafficking Nigerian politician, wife found guilty
2 hours - Afcon 2023: We will ‘play to win’ against Hughton’s Ghana – Angola coach
2 hours - Livestream: TikTok CEO testifying before US Congress
2 hours - Government expects passage of 3 financial bills laid before Parliament
3 hours - Ghana v Angola: Jordan Ayew, Kudus start as Chris Hughton era begins
3 hours - The rising level of air pollution in West Africa
3 hours - Livestream: Parliament suspends debate on Akufo-Addo’s new Ministerial appointees
3 hours - Energy Ministry isn’t indebted to ECG; there was no disconnection of power supply – Egyapa Mercer
3 hours - 6-packs come with a risk of depression
3 hours - Fish farmers call for government support to address sector challenges
4 hours - Avoid appointments that give impression of jobs for boys and girls – Joyce Bawa Morgtari tells Akufo-Addo
4 hours