Niehaus was whisked away by police while he was speaking to the media about the former president's incarceration.

The 61-year-old's been charged with breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules.

About 20 minutes after he was released from the Estcourt police station on Thursday night, he tweeted to say that he's due in court on the 8th of August.

National police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo says Niehaus's arrest should serve as a warning to other would-be lockdown rule breakers.

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"The 61-year-old man is alleged to have convened a gathering of approximately 100 people outside the Escourt prison at about 4pm this afternoon."

"The Disaster Management Act Regulations clearly outlines gatherings are prohibited, except for funerals where not more than 50 people are allowed to attend.

"The suspect was initially warned about the gathering and he was subsequently arrested after ignoring the warning.

"The suspect in this matter below was released after being issued a R3 000 fine. He is expected to pay the fine before the 6th of August 2021 or appear in the Estcourt Magistrate's Court.”