119K LOCKDOWN VIOLATORS ARRESTED

AT least 119 557 people have been arrested countrywide for flouting lockdown regulations since Level 4 lockdown started this month.

Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere revealed the figures in a weekly Covid-19 Taskforce statement. He said despite the surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths, people continued to disregard lockdown measures.

“Cumulatively, the total arrested since the onset of the lockdown is now 119 557.”

The minister said 347 264 people have been arrested countrywide for flouting lockdown regulations, indicating an increase of 19 188, from the 328 076 that were recorded the previous week since the first lockdown started.

The minister expressed worry over how people were disregarding the regulations.

“We are saddened to report that our death toll has reached the 1 000-mark.

“As the President (Mnangagwa) highlighted, the disease respects no boundaries and as of January 25, the country recorded 31646 positive cases, 22 877 recoveries and 1 075 deaths.

“This should be a wakeup call to all of us to do something to halt the unfolding problem, now is the time to galvanise our efforts so as to stop the spread of the disease.

“Despite the upsurge in the number of infections and deaths related to the disease, it has been noted that there is a section of our society that continues to wantonly disregard lockdown procedures.”

Added Minister Muswere: “A total of 7 082 people were arrested throughout the country for violating movement restrictions in the past week.

“As of January 20, a total of 347 264 arrests were made countrywide, for flouting lockdown regulations indicating an increase of 19 188, from the 328 076 that was recorded the previous week.

“This problem is prevalent at funerals and we must continue to look out for each other and to encourage behaviour change in line with set out protocols.

“Whilst proper wearing of masks has proven to be effective against transmission, a considerable number of people has been arrested for wilfully disregarding the proper wearing of facemasks.

Minister Muswere, said in as far as topical issue of the vaccine was concerned, President Emmerson Mnangagwa indicated that a pronouncement will be made soon after the conclusion of scientific and empirical evidence being gathered by a team of scientists, medical professionals and experts.

“Government is grateful for the continued support from various stakeholders who are rendering support in the information dissemination field.

“An informed nation results in an empowered people. Various development partners across the country have been assisting in various ways in the production of Covid-19 materials and this is commendable.

“The Government owes all health workers and front-line staff a debt of gratitude.

“Those who work in the Red Zones which deal with the care of the Covid-19 patients are surely our heroes and heroines as we continue to fight this deadly disease.

“Our Government is committed to the eradication of Covid-19 and we are hopeful that we will succeed.

“We must also commend a large section of Zimbabweans who have been the shining beacons in our society by way of adhering to lockdown statutes.

“The President has advised that help is on the horizon. Treasury has also set aside resources for vaccine purchases with assistance from the private sector, all hands are on deck.

“We encourage you to play your part from home.

“What is needed is a shared national vision, all differences of whatever nature, must be set aside.”