(1) | The Minister may with a view to the exercise of a power granted to him by this Act, order any person in writing to furnish him within a specified time with any information at his disposal relating to or in connection with any place or area. |
(a) | in response to an order referred to in subsection (1) furnishes information which is false or incorrect in any material respect; or |
(b) | makes known any information furnished in terms of subsection (1) to any person, except for the purposes of this Act or as a witness in a court of law during a prosecution in terms of this Act, |
shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding R10 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
(3) | The provisions of subsection (2) shall not prohibit the disclosure of information — |
(a) | by any person in so far as it is strictly necessary for the performance of his functions in regard to his employment in connection with, or his ownership of, the place concerned; |
(b) | when authorized by the Minister. |