by Christopher Makaza
Zimbabweans countrywide have called upon Government to tighten COVID-19 lockdown regulations as the country is witnessing a surge in the number of local transmissions.
Citizens have criticised the intended demonstrations dubbed #31July, by the opposition elements arguing that the move is likely going to fuel the increase of locally transmitted COVID-19.
Official data obtained from the Ministry of Health and Child Care as of yesterday shows that the country had a worrisome total of 985 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 328 recoveries and 18 deaths.
Yesterday, 3 people tested positive for COVID-19 which included 2 returnees from South Africa and 1 locally transmitted case.
“The intended #31July demonstration will definitely accelerate the spread of coronavirus among locals. These opposition elements are surely not serious. Instead of joining hands with the Government in the fight against the pandemic, they are planning to fuel the spread, thwarting Government efforts” said Chipo Mangwende in Mutare.
Whilst some citizens are condemning the organisers of selling their souls for the dollar.
“We are aware that they were given about US$300 000 by their western masters to sustain the planned demonstration. They must prioritise life than money. A lot of innocent people will definitely be infected on that day,” said Tendai Chakurungama, a teacher from Harare.
“Ndingafira US$20 ichapihwa vachaenda kudemo here” (loosely translated, Should I die for the US$20 promised to those who are going to participate in the demo), said Tafara Dembo from Bindura.
Harare businessman Francis Musademba described the opposition demonstrators as a frustrated lot, whose agenda is to loot local businesses.
“History has shown that the opposition demonstrators always exhibit violent and destructive behaviour during the so-called demonstrations. We know they want to destroy and loot our businesses in the name of demonstrations, but in light of the coronavirus, they will be dicing with death as the coronavirus is no laughing matter,” he said.
Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume, one of the organisers of the intended demonstration is on overdrive soliciting for donations from both locals and the diaspora. According to Ngarivhume, the donated funds will be channelled towards mobilization efforts and to assist in medical expenses for injured participants.
“If the demonstration organisers are talking of solicitation of funds for medical expenses, then there is a nefarious agenda to ignite violence like what happened in the past”, said Rudo Tekeshe, a vendor in Chitungwiza.
Speaking at the ordinary session of a Politburo meeting at Zanu PF headquarters in Harare recently, President Mnangagwa said the recent rapid spike of infections requires another review of the COVID-19 lockdown measures.
“Government will soon review COVID-19 lockdown measures in the wake of the recent spike of infections,” said the President.
Meanwhile, Dr Thokozani Khupe`s MDC-T has confirmed that it will not be part of the #31July demonstration accusing the rival MDC-Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa of sponsoring the planned national resistance in order to disrupt its extra-ordinary congress set for the same date.
