The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Africa have risen to 709, from the 544 announced on Tuesday, Heath minister Zweli Mhize has announced.

The country has the highest number of confirmed cases in Africa.

A church is Free State province is becoming an epicentre of the Covid-19 cases, the country's health ministry noted.

There has been panic buying in the country as people stock up on food and other essentials ahead of a lockdown that begins on Thursday.

Health Minister @DrZweliMkhize is on SABC now talking #Covid19SA. He says government is expecting an increasing in numbers. There are now 709 cases in South Africa he announces.

— National Health Insurance - NHI (@NationalNhi) March 25, 2020