Numerous reports of 'Fake Covid 19 Certificates' in KZN, Says Premier Sihle Zikalala

• KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala sent out a strong message against the sale of fake Covid-19 certificates
• Zikalala said there were rising reports of the sale of fake Covid-19 certificates in the province
• The Premier called on people to report those involved in the illegal activity to report such persons to the police

DURBAN - People found to have bought fraudulent Covid-19 vaccine certificates, and those involved in their sale will find themselves in hot water.

This was the clear message sent out by KwaZulu-Natal's Premier Sihle Zikalala as he addressed a media briefing on Monday.

The Premier noted that his department was dealing with rising reports about fake vaccination certificates that are exchanging hands in the province.

However, Zikala warned that anyone caught either selling or buying the fake certificates would be prosecuted, according to a report carried by TimesLIVE.

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"We are getting unconfirmed reports about people selling vaccination certificates. Expectedly, [the department] finds this disturbing," Zikalala said.

"People who contemplate this kind of behaviour should be warned that such actions are criminal and unlawful and will be prosecuted."

Zikalala called on people who are privy to individuals engaged in the sale of fake Covid-19 vaccination certificates to contact the police to report such persons.

Grocery voucher on offer to over 60s

To encourage people over the age of 60 to get the vaccine, Zikalala said the KZN government was extending a R100 grocery voucher as the numbers remain low.

“There is a grocery voucher for over-60s on vaccination drives to enhance numbers during Vooma weekends.

According to News24, only a third of all adults in the province have received at least one jab to date. With this in mind, Zikalala urged residents to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe Covid-19 illness and hospitalization over the festive season.

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Covid19 4th wave expectations: South Africans encouraged to vaccinate ahead of holidays

“The choice to get vaccinated today and to recruit others to do the same will mean we have a happier and safer festive season," explained Zikalala.

South Africans encouraged to vaccinate ahead of holidays

In related news, Briefly News previously reported that there has been an increased number of reports that South Africa will experience the fourth wave of Covid-19 infections in December.

In the six months since the country started its Covid-19 vaccine rollout, more than 23 million people have had at least one dose of the vaccine, while 13 million people are reportedly fully vaccinated.

News24 reported that the Minister of Health Joe Phaala announced that current projections show that if 70% of South Africans over 50 receive the vaccine before the fourth wave sets in, then this wave should not be as severe as the last.

“We are not oblivious to the fact that we are not yet out of trouble. The virus is still in our midst and every day we record a number of infections,” Phaala said.

Source: Briefly News