Criminal records for breaking lockdown laws poses threat to employment prospects: ACDP
The African Christian Democratic Party has taken issue with how lockdown lawbreakers are being dealt with.
It says transgressors are opting to pay the minimum R1000 admission of guilt fine out of fear - without realizing the consequences this has for them down the line.
The ACDP's Steve Swart says so far - just under 120 000 citizens have been issued fines for contravening the lockdown rules and regulations.
"If you have been arrested and taken to a police station and if you get your fingerprint taken and you will go through the process. And if you pay an admission of guilt fine you will have a criminal record," he said.
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"And that has significant consequences for applications for employment and various other things - in other words, you will be deemed as a criminal."
The party says those who've been charged should rather make written representations to the prosecuting authority.
Swart says they have taken up the matter with the Justice Minister. I raised this injustice with the portfolio committee and the deputy minister of Justice indicated that this is an area that is looking into and to reconsider the implications of paying an admission of guilt fine.
Just before the lockdown came into force in late March - Police Minister repeatedly warned that those found flouting any of the lockdown would be jailed.
