Police in Harare reportedly imposed nighttime restrictions in the city centre ahead of today’s SADC Heads of State and Government Summit.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200031045/stop-search-curfew-increased-arrests">NewsDay</a>, employees from a popular fast-food outlet reported being threatened by police while moving around town after 9 PM on Wednesday.
One employee shared in their WhatsApp group that they faced intimidation from the police for being out after “curfew”. Said the employee:
<blockquote>
(We were) threatened by police while closing doors at (name of shop supplied). They asked us what we were still doing in town after 9 PM.
</blockquote>
Another employee said that it was challenging for workers finishing their shifts late to find transportation, as the kombis had been driven out of town. Said the employee:
<blockquote>
We were chased after by the police. They did not care that we were in our uniforms. Now there is no transport, all commuter omnibuses have been chased out of town. Be careful guys.
Along Julius Nyerere (Way), people are being beaten up. They are being ordered to board any form of transport they see and vacate town. Be very careful for those who are still in town.
</blockquote>
On Friday, 16 August, George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), said there was no curfew in Harare. He posted on his @dhonzamusoro007 handle on X:
<blockquote>
No curfew in Harare or any part of the country. The problem of people who grew up after the liberation war is not knowing what a curfew is. When the curfew is in place, you will not need your foreign friends to tell you.
And after all, you won’t even say a thing. You will be silenced to an extent where you feel that the curfew is indeed operational. Don’t wish for bad things. We can make you taste just a bit of it.
</blockquote>
In recent days, convoys of military tanks, police outriders, anti-riot units, and water cannons have been patrolling many high-density residential areas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Police in Harare put rules at night before a big meeting. Workers from a fast-food shop said police were mean to them for being out past 9 PM. It's hard for workers to go home late because there is no transport. A government official said there is no curfew, but people are still scared. There are warnings of violence in the city. Police and the military are roaming more in the neighborhoods.

Police Enforce Nighttime Restrictions In Harare Ahead Of SADC Summit

Kenyan authorities have imposed a 30-day dusk-to-dawn curfew on the 320-hectare ranch owned by a pastor who is accused of directing his followers to fast to death.
The ranch, which is near the town of Malindi, has been declared a “disturbed area and an operation zone.”
The country’s interior minister announced on Wednesday that for 30 days, the area will be subjected to a curfew between 6 PM to 6 AM.
However, human rights activists and journalists have criticised the move to bar them from accessing the ranch.
As of Thursday evening, the death toll in the cult investigation stood at 95.
On Wednesday, police took 22 people into custody during the search and rescue operation on the land.
Authorities have rescued 34 people from the property, while the Kenya Red Cross Society said that 314 people were still missing.
The owner of the ranch, pastor Paul Mackenzie, is set to remain in police custody until at least 2 May.
The director of public prosecutions, Noordin Haji, on Wednesday, ordered investigating officers to identify the assets of the suspects for purposes of preservation, confiscation, and forfeiture.
Meanwhile, a famous self-proclaimed televangelist Ezekiel Ombok Odero of the New Life Prayer Centre was arrested on Thursday on allegations of killing his followers.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kenyan Officials Impose Curfew On Cult Leader's Ranch

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that more than 2 500 people were arrested on Sunday for various COVID-19-related offences.
The Police said the cumulative number of arrests made for COVID-19 violations since 30 January 2020 now stands at 1 447 510.
In another development, ZRP arrested 1 271 people on Sunday in an operation targeting unlicensed, uninsured, unregistered motor vehicles. ZRP said in a statement:
<blockquote>
The ZRP reports that on 16/01/22, 2 653 people were arrested for various offences related to COVID-19. Since 30/03/20, a total of 1 447 510 have been arrested for COVID-19 violations.
On 16/01/22, 1 271 arrests were recorded on an operation targeting unlicensed, uninsured, unregistered motor vehicles. The cumulative number of arrests stands at 2238.
Meanwhile, on 16/01/22, 534 people were arrested on Operation’ No to Cross Border Crimes/ Fhasi Ngamilandu Yamukanoni Yamashango/Mhosva Pamiganhu Ngadzipere/Amacala Kawaphele Emingceleni Yelizwe’. The cumulative number of arrests stands at 96 054.
</blockquote>
Under current level 2 lockdown measures, wearing of masks in public places remains mandatory, shops have to close at 7 PM and a curfew is in place between 9 PM and 6 AM, among other measures.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Police Make 1.5 Million Arrests For COVID-19 Related Offences

The leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party in South Africa, John Steenhuisen, has called on the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, to end the curfew before New Year’s Eve.
In a statement posted on Steenhuisen’s <a href="https://twitter.com/jsteenhuisen/status/1475433922997760001?s=20">Twitter page</a>, the DA, which is the largest opposition party in South Africa, said that hospitalization rates are low across the country and the curfew could be dropped to allow South Africans to welcome the New Year. The statement read:
<blockquote>
The DA calls on President Ramaphosa to end the curfew before New Year’s Eve.
Hospitalisation rates are low across the country. Omicron has proved to be far milder than past variants.
It’s time to save jobs and let law enforcement focus on preventing real crime.
Meantime, vaccines have proven to be extremely effective at protecting against severe disease and death, so those in the high-risk group have had ample opportunity to opt for personal protection.
The real crisis now is the state of the economy and widespread suffering from loss of livelihoods.
The DA has never supported the curfew, as we have never found it to be a rational or justifiable denial of freedom.
But now more than ever, we believe it should be lifted once and for all, and before New Year’s Eve.
Ending the curfew is an easy and logical way to boost the economy, particularly the restaurant and events industry, which are major employers.
And not just the economy. National morale needs a boost too. People should be able to legally come together with friends and family to celebrate the start of 2022 and the end of an incredibly tough 2021. Most people aren’t observing curfew anyway.
This underscores the irrationality of the curfew, which is doing more harm than good by undermining the rule of law. Are the police going to arrest people celebrating New Year’s Eve?
Law enforcement should be focused on preventing drunk driving and real criminality, not curfew, so that law-abiding people can safely usher in the New Year.
This year, much of the suffering endured by the people of this country has been due to pointless, irrational, ill-considered policy, starting with beach bans. Let’s end 2021 and begin 2022 on a smarter, more positive note.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SA's Main Opposition Party Wants Curfew Lifted On New Year's Eve

Full statement by national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on the enforcement of COVID-19 Level 2 National Lockdown.
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to take note of the COVID-19 national level two safety measures announced by His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa on the 7th September 2021.
The Police will ensure compliance by the public through roadblocks, checkpoints, surveillance and general patrols in Central Business Centres (CBDs), residential and industrial areas.
Business operators are therefore implored to co-operate with police officers by strictly observing the operational hours of 0800 hours to 1900 hours.
The public is urged to observe COVID-19 protocols which include, wearing face masks, practising social distancing and sanitization while accessing various services in banks, supermarkets, health facilities and restaurants.
Beer hall operators and nightclubs who defy the Government’s order to remain closed will be arrested.
This includes those who are operating shebeens in various cities and towns in the country.
Zimbabweans are reminded that Police will ensure that public gatherings are limited to not more than 100 people.
Gatherings should be held within the stipulated period and not cross over into curfew hours.
In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public against unnecessary movements during the curfew period which now runs from 2200 hours till 0530 hours the next morning.
Anyone found to be hosting parties or any other gathering during the curfew period will be arrested.
Transporters who have been allowed to engage in intercity movements should lead by example and observe all the stipulated COVID-19 protocols.
Above all, they should co-operate with law enforcement agencies to promote and ensure road safety to the travelling public.
We also urge bottle stores, restaurants, hotels and lodge operators to observe the stipulated COVID-19 safety measures set by the Government.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner-General of Police has directed police commanders at Provincial, District and Station Level to ensure that police officers on the ground minimize unnecessary delays to the public at roadblocks and checkpoints.
As most sectors of the economy open, motorists should avoid causing traffic congestion, driving against the flow of traffic, proceeding against red robots and exhibiting reckless driving conduct. The police will ensure that the law takes its course on such drivers.
Let us be responsible citizens and collectively assist in the maintenance of the law and order as the country fights the COVID-19 pandemic.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

ZRP Statement On The Enforcement Of Level 2 National Lockdown

Some business operators in Harare’s high-density suburbs continue to defy the measures put in place by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Under current level 4 lockdown measures, businesses are allowed to operate between 8 AM and 3.30 PM while a curfew is in place between 6.30 PM and 6 AM.
However, a snap survey conducted by ZBC News established that in areas such as Warren Park, Westlea, Kuwadzana, Dzivaresekwa, and Kambuzuma, businesses were open well after the existing curfew times stipulated under the level 4 lockdown.
It was also observed that operators were failing to provide buckets for hand washing and did not check the temperature or sanitise their customers before entering their business premises.
Further, despite bars being ordered to shut, they were among the arguably most super-spreaders as they were operating even up to midnight.
Illegal backyard food outlets, especially those selling sadza, also allowed sit-in customers and there was no sanitization of hands taking place, especially at Mereki in Warren Park and Zindoga shopping centre in Waterfalls.
National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Thursday said they will not hesitate to arrest those caught on the wrong side of the law. He said:
<blockquote>
We are arresting all offenders and following the curfew order. We are surprised by the high number of people complaining of being arrested over curfew, that order still stands and should be obeyed.
We impounded nine buses in Harare that have been operating without a ZUPCO arrangement. On Monday alone we made 3 821 arrests related to COVID-19 contraventions.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/suburban-bars-businesses-defy-lockdown-rules/">ZBC News</a></h4>

Suburban Bars, Businesses Ignore Lockdown Rules

Police in Bulawayo have imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in the city in line with the localised lockdown measures announced by Cabinet on Tuesday meant to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The curfew will run from 6 PM to 6 AM and businesses in the city centre and COVID-19 hotspot suburbs will now operate from 8 AM and close at 3 PM as part of the lockdown conditions.
The affected suburbs are: Nkulamane, Pelandaba, Emganwini, Sizinda, Barham Green, Emakhandeni, Cowdraypark, Luveve, Njube, Magwegwe, Pumula, Nguboyenja Makokoba, Mzilikazi, Mpopoma and the CBD.
In a statement this Thursday, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said effective Friday (tomorrow), police will be deployed to monitor compliance. He said:
<blockquote>Business hours are now between 8 AM – 3 PM meaning that all shops and businesses in town must close at that time and this applies to the rest of the suburbs that have been declared hotspots.
We are calling for maximum cooperation from members of the public so that we see this phase passing smoothly.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/police-impose-6-to-6-curfew-for-bulawayo/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Police Impose Dusk To Dawn Curfew On Bulawayo

Police have warned members of the public and university students against hosting parties late at night in violation of the curfew order and also engaging in orgies of violence.
This follows the arrest of a 30-year-old university student, Michael Muza after he hosted a party for his fellow university students in Bulawayo.
Muza was arrested on Saturday for breaching COVID-19 regulations.
The students, who were apparently drunk, started to randomly attack innocent people and passers-by resulting in one cornered motorist drawing out a pistol and firing warning shots to avoid being assaulted by the group. Police said in a statement:
<blockquote>The ZRP warns residents and university students against hosting parties late into the night and engaging in orgies of violence. 
On 24/04/21, police in [Bulawayo] arrested Michael Muza (30) for breaching COVID-19 regulations.
The suspect hosted a party for his fellow university students in Selborne Park, [Bulawayo] which resulted in violence and attack on innocent motorists who were passing by.
A cornered motorist had to fire warning shots to evade attack from marauding students.
The party organiser clearly contravened COVID-19 regulations which include a curfew order.</blockquote>
Under the relaxed COVID-19 regulations announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in early March, a curfew is to be observed from 10 PM to 5 AM as part of the measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
However, some unruly elements flagrantly flout the restrictions raising fears of a third wave as winter approaches.

Police Warn Varsity Students Against Hosting Late-night Parties

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued another warning for the umpteenth time against members of the public who violate the curfew order saying those who do so will be arrested.
In a statement this Friday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said only members of the essential services will be allowed to pass through security checkpoints after 6 PM.
Asst Insp Nyathi advised those knocking off duty at 3 PM to go straight home to ensure that they are at home by 6 PM. He said:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that only members of the essential services will be allowed passage at police roadblocks and other checkpoints after 1800 hours.
Those knocking off duty at 1500 hours should ensure that they go home straight after work.  Members of the public are implored to plan their movements carefully so that they are not inconvenienced during the curfew period.</blockquote>
Nyathi said on Wednesday a total of 3 102 people were arrested throughout the country for various offences related to contraventions of the national lockdown regulations. He added:
<blockquote>Of these, one thousand two hundred and ninety-four [1 294] were for Contravening Section 4(1)(a) of Statutory Instrument 83/20 Unnecessary movement during national lockdown except those exempted’, and one thousand one hundred and seventy-eight (1 178] for failure to wear face masks.
This brings the total cumulative arrests to 347 264 since 30th March 2020.</blockquote>

'Go Straight Home After Work', Police Reiterate Curfew Order

Full statement by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi warning curfew order violators.
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns members of the public that with effect from today, police officers will be out in full force to ensure compliance with the curfew order put in place by the Government on 2nd January 2021.
The curfew order runs from 1800 hours to 0600 hours the next day. Therefore, movements, whether on foot or motorised are not allowed during this period and anyone found walking or driving will be arrested, with vehicles being impounded.
Those travelling between cities should plan their journeys so that they do not breach the curfew order.
On Sunday, 17th January 2021 and Monday, 18th January 2021, there was chaos along Harare – Bulawayo Road, as long queues stretching from the Norton tollgate up to Whitehouse area, Harare were seen.
Some motorists were even confrontational to the Police despite the fact that most of them were non-compliant with the curfew order.
Meanwhile, on Monday 18 January 2021, a total of two thousand three hundred and thirty-six [2 336] people were arrested throughout the country for various offences related to contraventions of the National Lockdown regulations.
Of these, eight hundred and ninety [890] were for Contravening Section 4(1)(a) of Statutory Instrument 83/20 ‘Unnecessary movement during national lockdown except those exempted’, and nine hundred and twenty [920] for failure to wear face masks. This brings the total cumulative arrests to 341 251 since 30th March 2020.
Members of the public are urged to take heed of safety, health and security measures meant to protect lives during this COVID-19 situation.</blockquote>

Police Issue Stern Warning To Curfew Order Violators

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reiterated its call for members of the public to observe the coronavirus curfew and avoid public gatherings on New Year’s Eve.
In a statement this Thursday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned that those who violate the national lockdown and curfew will be arrested. He said:
<blockquote>The ZRP reiterates that as the nation awaits the oncoming New Year’s Eve (2021). Arrests will be effected on anyone engaged in illegal gatherings which contravene the Government’s national COVID-19 regulations and curfew order.
The public is reminded that the curfew order runs from 2200 hours till 0600 hours, the next day.</blockquote>
Yesterday police warned the public that the country is still under lockdown and social events such as parties, all-night prayers, musical galas and concerts will not be allowed on New Year’s Eve.
In a statement, Asst Comm Nyathi said all-night prayers, musical galas or concerts are allowed and bars, beer halls and night club operators should take note that they are yet to be allowed to operate.
He added that police will intensify patrols, stop and searches and blitz on all residential, industrial, farming and other areas where the public will be undertaking various activities.

Police Issue Arrest Warning To Curfew Breakers

Amon Murwira, the acting Health Minister, on Wednesday gazetted Statutory Instrument 174/20 under the Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (Amendment) Order, 2020 (No. 14).
The SI legalises the amended lockdown regulations, which among other things, set a 6 PM to 6 AM countrywide curfew.
The SI says the “wearing a face mask” in a public place now means that wearers must “securely” cover their nose and mouth with the mask.
The law also says that those who fail to comply with the regulations face hefty penalties of up to $36 000 or a year in jail.
Supermarkets, food shops, fuel outlets, restaurants, and safari and hunting operations are among several activities that are now considered non-essential businesses that can operate only between 8 am and 3 pm.
The production, supply, delivery and distribution of food, fuel and coal is permitted during the curfew hours, so are mining and the operations of designated tobacco auction floors. These are all classified as essential services.
People are allowed to “break” curfew to buy medicine, move to and from work if they are employed in the essential services, seek medical attention, or go to the home of a relative who needs medical help.
Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga on Friday said members of the public can buy food from their nearest shopping centres and this should be done by selected family members to curtail public gatherings.
No intercity public transport and rural areas movement will be allowed to proceed beyond checkpoints and roadblocks, Matanga said in the statement.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/curfew-regulations-clarified/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

$36 000 Fine For Breaking Curfew, Wearing Mask Improperly

Zimbabwe Republic Police officers are reportedly turning away “all” motorists from Harare Central Business District, this Friday morning, 24 July 2020.
A video showed by the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) on <a href="https://twitter.com/zppinfo/status/1286553792545251334" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a> shows police officers manning a roadblock in Harare, turning cars back. This comes after police on Thursday evening chased away commuters from the CBD as curfew hours approached.
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-175317-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Harare-Curfew.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Harare-Curfew.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Harare-Curfew.mp4</a></video></div>

WATCH: Police Block Motorists From Entering Harare CBD - ZPP

Reports indicate that baton-wielding police officers chased people out of Harare Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday evening as they thronged bus termini waiting for ZUPCO buses.
Police, however, were unsympathetic as they ordered hundreds of people to go home on foot for them to adhere to the dusk-to-dawn curfew which came into effect on Wednesday.
Watch the video below:
<div>
<video controls="controls" height="848" preload="metadata" width="480"><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Night-Curfew.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Night-Curfew.mp4</a></video></div>

WATCH: Hundreds Of People Forced To Walk Home To Beat Curfew

A political analyst has said the new COVID-19 lockdown regulations have nothing to do with the disease but were a “political statement”.
According to Rashweat Mukundu, the measures announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday lacked substance on how the government intends to deal with the health crisis. He said:
<blockquote>The measures have little to do with COVID-19 because they lacked substance on how the government is going to increase access to healthcare facilities on those that are infected and the growing numbers of Zimbabweans who are coming from outside the country who are now in quarantine.
In fact, what we got is the reversal of our rights as citizens, which are the rights to association.
It is unacceptable that under COVID-19, certain limits to citizens’ right have to be implemented, but it appears that COVID-19 is now an excuse by Mnangagwa’s government to simply clamp down on its rivals and also manage the threats of protests that have been planned by opposition groups and political activists.
One gets a sense that the pronouncement by the President has more to do with the politics of the country than managing COVID-19.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana said there was nothing out of the ordinary about the curfew imposed by Mnangagwa as some countries, South Africa, Kenya and India, for instance, have gone down the same path.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/07/curfew-fuels-tension/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

New Lockdown Measures A 'Political Statement' - Political Analyst

The opposition MDC Alliance has said the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa betrays the ruling party’s use of COVID-19 to contain a possible uprising.
MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Clifford Hlatywayo on Wednesday told NewsDay that Mnangagwa was politicising the pandemic. He said:
<blockquote>The measures announced by Mnangagwa are political, especially the curfew part. We don’t support political leaders who abuse the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue their political agenda.
You must not abuse the poor to gain what you want politically and wanting to politicise COVID-19.
Why is he quiet on COVID-19 funds and equipment looting if he is sincere?
This is a strategy used by political cowards to survive, but the people know all that now.</blockquote>
In announcing more restrictions in a televised address on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said the new measures were meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The Thiokozani Khupe-led MDC-T has applauded Mnangagwa for ‘showing leadership’ in addressing the COVID-19 crisis. Party deputy spokesperson Khalipani Phugeni said:
<blockquote>The whole point, we are told, is to address the COVID-19 threat so whatever it takes, as long as it will help to address that, then it is fine, but it will be sad if it turns out to be what it is not.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/07/curfew-fuels-tension/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

MDC Alliance Slams Dusk To Dawn Curfew Decree

Acting Minister of Health and Child Care Amon Murwira on Wednesday gazetted the legal statutory instrument amending lockdown regulations as announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday.
The amended regulations impose a 6 pm to 6 am curfew and also provides a list of permitted exemptions from operations or travel during the curfew.
Under the new regulations, all travel by those who are in non-essential services, in or out of vehicles, is prohibited during the curfew hours and they must stay at home.
However, people can break curfew to buy medicine, move to and from work if they are employed in the essential services, seek medical attention, or go to the home of a relative who needs medical help.
Members of staff of a foreign mission or agency and are going to that mission are also exempted from the curfew.
The production, supply, delivery and distribution of food, fuel and coal is permitted during the curfew hours.
Mining and the operations of designated tobacco auction floors have also been added to the list of services that are exempted and can operate during the curfew.
Security guards manning business premises are exempted from the curfew as well.
However, the onus is on the person moving outside curfew hours to satisfy the officer enforcing the curfew.
Businesses which cannot operate during curfew hours include supermarkets and food shops, banks, bureaux de change and the like.
Courts, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, public examinations and Parliament remain essential services but have to obey the curfew.
All industrial and commercial businesses, including those in the informal sector that have been already exempted, can continue operating but their hours have been shortened back to 8 am to 3 pm.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/night-curfew-si-exemptions-gazetted/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Govt Gazettes Night Curfew SI Exemptions

Zimbabweans have been ordered to stay indoors or risk the wrath of security forces between 6 AM and 6 PM with effect from today, Wednesday 22 July 2020. The directive will be in place until further notice.
Speaking during a televised address to the nation on Tuesday afternoon, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that only those providing essential services are exempted from the curfew. He said:
<blockquote>These urgent and necessary measures will entail curtailing the freedoms we have always enjoyed, and have grown accustomed to.
From now on, these freedoms stand suspended and deferred, in the interest of all of us; indeed, in the interest of our children and our nation which must survive, thrive and prosper beyond this pandemic.
No responsible Government places its citizens in harm’s way, hence my Government will do all it can to preserve and protect the right to life.</blockquote>
Sceptics have, however, questioned the motive behind the curfew, arguing that some countries that have experienced more coronavirus infections than Zimbabwe have not resorted to such drastic measures. Zimbabwe has less than 2 000 confirmed cases.
The curfew has been imposed just 10 days before the planned 31 July anti-corruption protests.
It will also be interesting to see how the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO), will be able to transport all workers to their residences before dusk.

Zimbabwe Imposes Indefinite 6PM To 6AM Curfew

Justice, Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi justified the imposition of a curfew in high density suburbs by members of the security forces.
Ziyambi was responding to Paurina Mpariwa who had asked if Zimbabwe has a state of emergency which leads to the imposition of a curfew. Mpariwa said people in high density areas are denied to move around after sometime in the evening. However Ziyambi said the curfew is meant to make sure peace loving Zimbabweans are free to move at night. Said Ziyambi:
<blockquote>
Mr. Speaker Sir, if you look at why there is this undeclared curfew, the reason was that these hooligans and looters were making people going about their business pay some passage fee because the roads had been barricaded and to get through that barricade you had to pay a certain amount. As a result, the Ministry of Home Affairs moved in swiftly so that people could move freely. The peace loving Zimbabweans were afraid to move at night because of these hooligans. What is happening is that the Ministry of Home Affairs has said there should be police officers who will patrol these areas and protect innocent civilians from these hooligans and thugs who will be barricading the roads.
</blockquote>

Curfew Latest News

Latest Jobs