By Innocent Mujeri
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned members of the public that it will descend heavily on the streets to ensure that people comply with curfew orders put in place by the Government early this month.
In a statement yesterday, ZRP National Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi reminded people that the curfew order runs from 1800 hours to 0600 hours the next day and anyone caught moving between that times will be arrested.
“ZRP warns members of the public that with effect from today (yesterday), police officers will be out in full force to ensure compliance with the curfew order put in place by the Government on 2nd January 2021.
“The curfew order runs between 1800 hours to 0600 hours the next day. Therefore, movements, whether on foot or motorized are not allowed during this period and anyone found walking or driving will be arrested, with vehicles being impounded,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said people travelling between cities should plan their journeys so that they do not breach the curfew order.
“Those travelling between cities should plan their journeys so that they do not breach the curfew order. On Sunday, January 17 2021, and Monday, January 18 2021, there was chaos along Harare-Bulawayo Road, as long queues stretching from the Norton tollgate up to Whitehouse area in Harare were seen. Some motorists were even confrontational to the police despite the fact that most of them were non-compliant with the curfew order,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.
The police also informed that last Monday, a total of 2 336 people were arrested countrywide for various offences related to contravening the national lockdown regulations.
Of these, 890 were arrested for unnecessary movement during lockdown, while 920 for failing to wear face masks.
Since March last year, the police have arrested a total of 341 251 people for breaching the national lockdown regulations.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi further urged members of the public to take heed of safety, health and security measures meant to protect lives during this Covid-19 situation.
Government imposed a 30 day national lockdown starting early this month in a bid to stop the spread of the Covid 19 that has ravaged the whole country.
In the last 24 hours, the country recorded 783 new Covid 19 cases and 52 deaths taking the number of active cases and deaths to 9 740 and 825 respectively.
