The law is swift and unforgiving when it comes to the spread of fake news regarding Covid-19. Somizi Mhlongo has the first-hand experience.

According to Tshisa Live, the media personality was arrested and granted bail over the weekend after transport minister Fikile Mbalula laid a charge against him at the Sandton Police Station.

He was arrested he is on bail.

— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) April 14, 2020

This follows after Somizi was heard on an Instagram video that Mbalula had given him a heads-up about the extension of SA’s Covid-19 lockdown. However, Mbalula was quick to dismiss these allegations as fake news and subsequently lay charges against Somizi.

I did not discuss the lockdown timeline or extension plans with Mr Mhlongo at all whatsoever, my conscience is clear.

I have filed my statement and attested under oath to this at Sandton Police Station. pic.twitter.com/AJCKNhsjC2

— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) April 10, 2020

Police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said Mhlongo reported to the Sandton police station at the weekend, where he was charged and released on R1,500 bail, pending a court appearance.

We sure hope Somizi has learnt his lesson and will be setting a better example moving forward.

Main Image: iharare.com