A man’s been arrested in the Western Cape for posting a video claiming that coronavirus test kits were contaminated.

In the video posted on Facebook, he urged people to refuse testing.

He gave no evidence to support his claims.

The 55-year-old was taken into custody on Monday.

Authorities have repeatedly warned the public against disseminating fake news about the COVID-19 pandemic because it could spark needless panic.

He has been charged in terms of the Disaster Management Act.

Police Minister Bheki Cele said that eight people had been arrested for disseminating false information about the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The minister was in Secunda on Tuesday morning where he’s evaluating the implementation of the lockdown regulations.

Authorities have repeatedly warned the public against disseminating fake news about the pandemic because it could spark needless panic.

Those found guilty of the crime could be charged in terms of the Disaster Management Act.

Cele said that South Africans should put their differences aside to tackle the virus.

“These are the times that must we all work together and walk in unison. These are the times that we must put aside any form of enmity. We have an enemy that has the capability of destroying and killing us together.”