No, you cannot buy cigarettes!
The ban on the sale of cigarettes in South Africa has not been lifted, as it is not an essential item.
Various online publications the past week quoted national police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo as saying people were allowed to buy cigarettes as long as they were bought in conjunction with other goods.
This was dismissed by Brig Naidoo as fake/false news.
In response to the area of confusion, the Minister of Police on April 3 clarified and emphasised that cigarettes are NOT an essential item and that the sale thereof is prohibited across the country.
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