Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga on Friday said the force has intensified patrols, roadblocks and checkpoints countrywide to ensure that members of the public comply with the new lockdown regulations.
In Harare, for instance, a number of people were turned away from the city centre yesterday after they failed to present employment exemption letters or medical documents to warrant being outdoors.
Matanga warned that those who continue to ignore the stay-at-home order will face the full wrath of the law. He said:
My office has directed police commanders to ensure that patrols, roadblocks, checkpoints and awareness campaigns are intensified in all provinces for the security, safety and health of Zimbabweans.
Zimbabweans should take note that public gatherings for social activities remain banned as announced by President Mnangagwa.
Religious gatherings are to be of 50 or fewer congregants and be held between 8 am and 3 pm with strict adherence to the World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 protocols.
May I also caution the public against trying to negotiate or influence officers to allow them to illegally pass through checkpoints as this compromises the integrity of uniformed services and the fight against Covid-19. There will be no excuse for non-compliance.
Matanga added that citizens were reminded to be home by 6 pm. There will be no excuses for non-compliance, except for those who will be providing essential services, he said.