We are on day one – day flippin’ one – of our enforced national lockdown, and we’re getting this kind of misbehaviour. A cyclist was detained at Mondeor Police Station on Friday in bizarre circumstances, after he was spotted riding his bike on the M1 freeway.

Cyclist busted during Johannesburg to Cape Town attempt

Apprehended near Southgate, the brazen bike-rider set off on his marathon journey across the country earlier this morning. He may have been expecting clear roads and light traffic, but he didn’t count on the long arm of the law pushing him off-track. He calmly told officers where he was heading, as they put a premature end to his 1 400km journey:

“A male cyclist has been arrested for contravening the Disaster Management Regulation in relation to COVID-19, by cycling on the M1 south freeway near Southgate. The Johannesburg resident told officials that he was attempting to cycle to Cape Town. He has been detained at Mondeor Police Station.” Transport Department statement

Lockdown latest – cyclists behaving badly

Earlier this week, the Disaster Management Regulation Act prohibited South Africans from any outdoor activities during the 21-day lockdown period. Walking the dog, jogging and yes, cycling, have all been deemed off-limits. You can only leave your house for an essential journey, like a grocery shop or to seek medical attention. We get a feeling this rogue rider wasn’t just desperate for a visit to the V&A’s Woolies…

So the cyclist arrested was trying to cycle from Joburg to Cape Town???

1. Why wait for the first day of lockdown to do this?

2. Cycling from Joburg to Cape Town is gonna take you 21 days anyway lmaaooooo — Sav🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 (@AdierSav) March 27, 2020

Other issues reported by the Transport Department include: