(Last Updated on January 19, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
ZIMBABWE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police jas warned that it will be intensifying the enforcement of the curfew order amid reports that the public has been ignoring this order which was introduced as part of the level four lockdown restrictions.
Police spokesperson for Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said everyone found not adhering to this order will be arrested whether they are driving or walking.
“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 Government on 2 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,” said Nyathi.
Nyathi also warned those travelling between cities to carefully plan their trips so that they do not violate the curfew order.
“Those travelling between cities should plan their journeys so that they do not breach the curfew order. On Sunday, 17 January 2021 and Monday, 18 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 police were even confrontational to the police despite the fact that most of them were non-compliant with the curfew order.
On Monday, Police arrested 2336 people across the country for violating lockdown regulations, with 920 arrested for failure to wear face masks while 890 for unnecessary movement.
However, many Zimbabweans have previously bemaoned the curfew order citing shortage of public transport which means in most cases the curfew starts before they find transport to their homes.
This has brought the number of people who have been arrested for violating the National Lockdown Regulations to 341 251 since the first lockdown in March.
Zimbabwe is currently battling with a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic which has seen the country reach 27892 positive cases and 773 deaths as of Monday 18 January 2021.
