JOHANNESBURG, March 16 (Xinhua) - The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in South Africa has risen to 62, however more cases were yet to be verified, said health minister Zweli Mkhize on Monday.

Mkhize said that Limpopo now has its first confirmed case, a 29-year-old male who had travelled to France and Netherlands.

South Africans cue in a supermarket to stock for food and supplies in Johannesburg, on March 16, 2020. (Photo: AFP)

"There are more cases but these are yet to be verified," he said.

"We also wish to mention that there are two cases of local transmission which have been presented to the NICD. These are under investigation...We are in the process of conducting confirmation tests and establish their direct contacts and those whom they have subsequently come into contact with."

As the cases of the virus continue increasing, he said testing and screening would be intensified in public areas.

"We are intensifying our testing mechanisms. We have also received support to improve the testing process," said the minister.