Man arrested for selling essential services permits in South Africa

A Zimbabwean national has been arrested in South Africa for selling essential services permits to business people to operate during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

Police spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mulamu said members of the public in Olivenhoutbosch town in Gauteng province tipped off the police.

Some undercover officers contacted the man wanting to buy a permit.

They met and reportedly the officers paid 300 South African rand ($16; £12) for the processing of the fake permit.

The 22-year-old man was arrested and police raided his house where they found a laptop and other documents.

South Africa is on a nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus.

During the lockdown, only essential service providers, such as health workers, financial services providers, journalists and retail workers, are allowed to continue going to work.

Businesses that provide essential services have been applying for a special permit from the government that allows their members of staff to be outside.