- A KwaZulu-Natal mosque was fined R5 000 for an alleged lockdown contravention.
- No religious gatherings are allowed during newly introduced Level 4 regulations.
- The mosque said an old photo was used when the police were called and arrived to find madrassa pupils leaving for home.
A KwaZulu-Natal mosque was slapped with a R5 000 fine for allegedly violating the Level 4 lockdown regulation prohibiting religious gatherings.
A member of the Isipingo Hills Mosque said they intended to contest the fine because the mosque was closed.
"I think they were fining us based on an old picture," added Faiyaz Hassim.
He said there might also have been a misunderstanding based on pupils coming out of religious school class, a day ahead of when schools were due to shut.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Jay Naicker confirmed the fine.
"We can confirm that last night [Tuesday], a 40-year-old man was arrested for contravention of the Disaster Management Act. The suspect was arrested after he held a religious gathering at a mosque in Isipingo.
"He was issued with a fine of R5 000. He will appear in the Amanzimtoti Magistrate's Court on 28 July 2021," said Naicker.
Hassim said during the new lockdown, the mosque would stay closed.
"We will open our hearts, and pray at home," he added.
Close
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) said it instructed mosques to close for the Level 4 lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday.
The second deputy president of the MJC, Sheikh Riad Fataar, said congregations needed to be protected from Covid-19, adding to keep people connected, it had distributed videos, or to meet online instead.
He added as in all religions, there were diverse opinions over whether a place of worship should close.
"The community is always sad when they can't get into their place of prayer," Fataar said.
But as far as the MJC is concerned, all mosques must close.