Police warn lockdown violators
POLICE have warned that those who disregard the Government’s lockdown directives will be prosecuted, with 11 196 people having so far been arrested for defiance since inception of the Covid-19 containment measures last month.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged the public to heed the call by authorities to adhere to all measures and directives aimed at containing and preventing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
President Mnangagwa on Sunday announced the extension of the lockdown period by a further 14 days.
Police said all deployments would remain in place to enforce lockdown measures and ensure compliance.
Asst Comm Nyathi said police had noted with concern an increase in motorists and pedestrians entering major cities, with most of them without exemptions.
“Today (yesterday) we noted an increase in the volume of traffic in Harare and Bulawayo and also long queues of motorists waiting to be cleared at checkpoints. Some of them had no exemptions. People must stay at home if they are not exempted,” he said.
“We also noted that in most residential areas, children are left to play football in streets with some adults also into a habit of drinking alcohol in their private vehicles. We are urging everyone to take our warnings seriously, all those who are defying the lockdown will be arrested.
“Our message to the public is for them to adhere to all health measures in place. Where appropriate, arrests will be effected on those who disregard Covid-19 lockdown measures. People should take heed so that they will not cry foul when they are arrested.”
He appealed to every Zimbabwean to be compliant and contribute to the fight against the deadly pandemic, which has to date killed four people in the country.
Many people have been arrested for various offences, including operating shebeens, conducting business without exemptions, unsanctioned gatherings and unnecessary movements.
The majority of those arrested were fined, while others were referred to court.