By Kaya 959 News
Suspended MKMVA spokesperson, Carl Niehaus, has been fined R3000 for flouting COVID-19 regulations.
Sixty-one-year-old Niehaus is accused of arranging a gathering of about 100 people outside the Escourt prison where former President Jacob Zuma is serving his 15-month jail sentence.
Niehaus tweeted about the gathering explaining that it was to pay their respects to Zuma and register their protest at his “unjust imprisonment”.
“The Disaster Management Act Regulations clearly outlines that gatherings are prohibited, except for funerals where not more than 50 people are allowed to attend,” said national SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo.
He said Niehaus was initially warned about the gathering and he was subsequently arrested after ignoring the warning.
READ: Justice Minister slams distribution of ‘stolen’ Zuma prison pics
Niehaus arrested
Niehaus was taken into police custody on Thursday. He was arrested during a live TV interview.
Suspended Carl arrested live on air mid interview. #BreakingNews #CarlNiehaus pic.twitter.com/XdUTnc9ehl
— Bongani (@Bongani_Cel) July 8, 2021
Naidoo said Niehaus is likely to face charges in terms of the DMA Regulations.
“He was released after being issued a R3000 fine. He is expected to pay the fine before 6 August or appear in the Escourt Magistrate’s Court,” Naidoo said.
In response to the arrest, Niehaus tweeted: “I have been released (around 8pm) from Escourt Police Station. I have been charged, and must appear in court on the 8th of August 2021. My utmost gratitude to all my comrades for your support. From the bottom of his heart, thank you!”
*ALUTA CONTINUA- THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES!*
I have been released (around 8pm) from Escourt Police station. I have been charged, and must appear in court on the 8th of August 2021.
My utmost gratitude to all my comrades for your support. From the bottom of his heart, “thank you!.”— Carl Niehaus (@niehaus_carl) July 8, 2021
“The arrest should be a warning to potential law-breakers that contravention of the lockdown regulations especially amidst the ever-increasing COVID-19 virus will not be tolerated,” Naidoo said.
Zuma began serving his sentence after handing himself over to officials on Wednesday. He was sentenced for contempt of court after failing to appear before the Zondo Commission where he is implicated in allegations of state capture.
Meanwhile, Niehaus has been suspended as the spokesperson for the disbanded MKMVA. The ANC has also suspended his membership.



