Over 10 000 Arrested In 3 Days For Violating COVID-19 Rules

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reported that it has arrested over 10 000 people in 3 days for violating Level IV COVID-19-induced lockdown rules.

The police report that 10 252 people were arrested in the three days to July 1 countrywide while an average of 3 000 people was arrested daily for offences ranging from failure to observe social distancing, wearing face masks, and participating in unsanctioned gatherings among others.

National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told The Sunday Mail Saturday that police will arrest those who contravene the regulations. Said Nyathi:

_We urge Zimbabweans to follow the lockdown measures and wear their masks properly, if they don’t, we are going to arrest them._

_For those who are opening beer halls and nightclubs, we are not going to show any mercy to them._

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_Like for instance, last night police officers on patrol in the Harare CBD arrested scores of people who were drinking at beer halls and nightclubs._

_People must follow and respect the curfew._

_Lately, we have been having problems with people who are giving us unnecessary excuses. For example, some say they are coming from work at around 10 pm._

_We will not listen to such petty excuses but we will understand if they are providing essential services or transporting commercial cargo._

Last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa reverted the country to Level IV lockdown which entails dusk to dawn curfew, a ban on all public gatherings and inter-city travel, and reduced operating hours for businesses.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe told a media briefing on Friday that the country’s security forces will enforce the new measures with increased vigour.

He said more than 51 000 people had been arrested in June alone for not properly wearing face masks.

More: Pindula News; The Sunday Mail