Sihle Zikalala Calls for Investigation Into Nomagugu Simelane's 'Get Together'

• KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala is taking the allegations mage against KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane seriously
• Simelane is accused of participating in a birthday lunch for her at which there were no masks or social distancing visible
• Zikalala was responding to a request for an investigation into the get-together made by the Democratic Alliance

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala stated that allegations that the province's Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane hosted a super-spreader event are a high priority. On Wednesday, he reassured the public that an investigation is being conducted.

The statement was in response to the Democratic Alliance. The DA requested a probe into the matter that Simelane's get-together contravened Covid-19 lockdown regulations over the weekend.

Simelane was seen in videos, circulated on social media, dancing and hugging friends without wearing masks and with no social distancing visible. Zikalala stated that he looks at the DA's allegations as serious as there are ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus, according to The Witness.

Read also

'Yho movie': Slain drug boss Teddy Mafia's son-in-law survives daylight hit in Durban

A report by IOL stated that other parties also requested that Simelane be investigated and held accountable for her part in the birthday lunch. Spokesperson for KZN Health Ntokozo Maphisa stated that Simelane accepted an invitation to a meeting which turned out to be a surprise birthday lunch for her.

Nomagugu Simelane 'regretful' over mask incident, IFP calls for harsher punishment

In related news, Briefly News previously reported that KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane stated that she 'deeply regrets' not wearing a mask during Sunday's surprise birthday lunch for her.

The health ministry in the province released a statement following a number of videos from the party that circulated online. The videos show various people in attendance not adhering to Covid-19 regulations.

Read also

Public Protector snaps back, says report was not released to coincide with ANC's election campaign

In the statement released by the ministry, it was explained that Simelane noted that there was 'adequate' social distancing before she counted how many people were there. There were allegedly 36 people in attendance.

Carl Niehaus released from KZN Correctional Services Facility and fined R3 000

In other news about the contravention of lockdown regulations, Briefly News reported that police in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed that suspended MKMVA spokesperson Carl Niehaus was released from custody after receiving a R3 000 fine for being in contravention of the Disaster Management Act and breaking lockdown regulations.

Niehaus was arrested outside the Estcourt Correctional Facility (where former President Jacob Zuma is being held) while holding a live TV interview with SABC News.

Before his arrest, Niehaus had been very vocal about his disappointment in the arrest and imprisonment of Zuma. He described Zuma's incarceration as a violation of his rights.

Source: Briefly News