South Africa bans dog-walking during lockdown

South Africa’s Police Minister Bheki Cele has announced a ban on dog owners walking their pets during the country’s three-week coronavirus lockdown, which comes into effect on Friday.

The announcement is a reversal of an earlier decision by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize to allow people to jog and walk their dogs during the lockdown, which is being instated to help curb the spread of the virus. 

The initial decision attracted criticism from outspoken opposition leader Julius Malema, who called it “rubbish”.

Mr Cele has now clarified that dog owners should exercise their pets inside their homes.

South Africa has so far confirmed 709 cases of coronavirus, the highest figure of any nation in Africa.

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