It’s emerged that at least seventeen people have been arrested for allegedly performing prayer in congregation during the lockdown.

An undated video circulating on social media show police entering the place of worship, breaking up the congregation and rounding up the worshippers.

Social media users also criticised the police for being overtly excessive during the alleged arrests, walking in the place of worship and allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Under the current lockdown regulations places of worship are closed and congregational prayer suspended.

On Thursday President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that while a gradual and phased resumption of economic activity from 30 April, all gatherings, except funerals and work, were not allowed.

The current constitutionality of the lockdown was challenged in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria last week.

Muhammed Bin Hassim Mohomed, Anas Mohammed Chotia and the As-Saadiqeen Islamic Centre are challenging President Cyril Ramaposa in a bid to declare certain parts of the lockdown regulations unconstitutional as it prohibits Muslims from reading salaah in the masjid.

On Thursday, Zehir Omar, the attorney representing the group of Muslims challenging the COVID-19 regulations said Muslims could use Thursday’s court proceedings to continue congregations at masaajid including reading Taraweeh during Ramadan.

Omar later retracted his comments saying the remarks reflected what he believed to be the outcome of the matter having regard to the events in the High Court.

Judgement has been reserved in the matter. 

#day30oflockdown It’s emerged that at least 17 people have been arrested in Pretoria West for allegedly performing prayer in congregation. Under the lockdown regulations, places of worship are closed & congregational prayer suspended. Video: Supplied. #Covid19inSA #StayAtHomeSA pic.twitter.com/lHMPbzJPCy

— Radio Islam (@radioislam) April 25, 2020