WATCH: Pastor, bride and groom arrested near Richards Bay

AN eNseleni bridal couple’s ‘I do’ did not go according to plan yesterday (Sunday) as they were arrested for contravening national lockdown regulations.

In a bid to ensure regulations are followed at all times and by everyone, City of uMhlathuze law enforcement officials together with SANDF and SAPS members swooped in on the ceremony, detaining 50 people.

Included in that number was the pastor who was officiating the marriage.

All arrested were taken to Empangeni Police Station where their cases were registered and they could apply for bail.

They were charged with breaching the regulations of the National Disaster Act.

Their cases will go to court once lockdown is lifted.

Onlookers who watched the couple and congregants being loaded into police vans were decidedly unhappy and most online comments expressed sympathy for the bride and groom who had presumably planned the event months ahead.

In a weekend that saw the SANDF on the streets within the City of uMhlathuze for the first time since lockdown was implemented, a total of 67 were arrested for non-compliance.

Six were found selling liquor, seven found to be illegal immigrants, while four were found picnicking in front of the Richards Bay Civic Centre.

Some car washes were closed down and pedestrians forced to go back to their homes after failing to provide adequate reason to be out on the streets.

‘Our people are generally obeying lockdown rules in many areas and are adhering to the regulations,’ said City of uMhlathuze mayor, Mduduzi Mhlongo.

‘The challenge was from Monday to Friday owing to the grant payout period.
‘Pensioners and grant recipients came to our towns in their numbers, which posed challenges on law enforcement agencies.

‘We are appealing to everyone to take this virus seriously and to work with government.

‘The lockdown is aimed at stopping the spread and to assist people to not be exposed to the virus.

‘We commend all those who are abiding by the rules and encourage them to do so until the end.’

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