by Innocent Mujeri
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned that COVID-19 is still around and people should adhere to lockdown measures as has been directed by the Government.
In a statement yesterday, Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the general public should avoid being complacent and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“The ZRP reminds Zimbabweans that the country is still under COVID-19 lockdown measures, which include a curfew which runs from 2200 hours till 0600 hours the following day. The enforcement of these health, safety and security measures is still paramount,” reads the statement.
The police further said that all public gathering should strictly not be more than 100 people at church gatherings and not more than 50 people at funerals and other functions. Gatherings for weddings, birthdays, political and social gatherings which include musical shows remain banned.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi also said that the police had intensified patrols, surveillance and other security measures to ensure arrests of those who are breaking the lockdown regulations.
He further said that kombis or private vehicles that were pirating would all be impounded and their owners would be arrested.
“In the same vein, kombis or private vehicles which are pirating within cities and intercity routes will be impounded. Besides the drivers, action will be taken on the owners who are obviously not taking heed of the Government’s call to be responsible and law abiding citizens,” reads the statement.
The police further urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers to curtail the spread of the pandemic and to assist in the mantainence of law and order in the country.
Ass Comm Nyathi also informed the public that all police officers who will be found engaging in any form of corruption at COVID-19 checkpoints, roadblocks and other enforcement sites will be arrested.
The country has been on lockdown since March this year and a total of 224 037 people were arrested for violating the lockdown regulations. 23 180 vehicles were also impounded for pirating.
