POLICE yesterday encouraged Zimbabweans to comply with the
requirements of the national 21-day lockdown that begins today saying failure
to do so will result in them being arrested and prosecuted.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday night declared a
national 21-day lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19. The virus has infected
over 600 000 worldwide, killing over 30 000.
In Zimbabwe there are seven confirmed cases of Covid-19
with one death. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi
said those who fail to comply will be arrested by police who will be out in
full force.
“The law is very clear, those who don’t comply will be
arrested and prosecuted in terms of the laws of the country. The Zimbabwe
Republic Police has put in place measures to ensure that police officers are
deployed in the CBD and all residential and industrial areas,” said Ass Comm
Nyathi.
He listed people in essential services that were supposed
to be on duty as being the only ones allowed to be out of their homes.
“What it means is only those with exemptions such as
medical institutions, power utilities, telecommunications, water works,
security services, grocery supermarkets, manufactures of foodstuffs, millers,
pharmacies, service stations, accredited media houses, funeral parlours and
city council officials all are supposed to be on duty will be allowed to move
around. I repeat they have to be on duty,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
He added that social gatherings exempt from the lockdown
such as funerals should only have 50 people and below.
“All other services for instance those who are going to be
having funerals, they should be a record for those funerals. Also, the figure
has to be 50 people or less. There should be no gatherings like people
frequenting shops, beerhalls, nightclubs and any other places frequented by the
public. People have to stay at home,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
In times like these, he said, people could report crime to
their local police stations through provincial phone numbers that will be availed
today.
In the meantime, Ass Comm Nyathi said they could report
crime to their national WhatsApp number and phone number.
“Those who want to report crime can do so and who can phone
can do so on the national number 0242-703631 or the national WhatsApp number
0712800197. We shall avail provincial numbers. This also includes those who
would want to report cases in case something happens they can report to the
local police,” he said.
He warned those who would commit crime such as domestic
violence that the police were on high alert.
“The law will take its course and we encourage those who
are victims to come forward and report. But at the end of it all, we expect
couples, we expect parents to be exemplary now that it’s a lockdown and schools
are closed. Yes, there might be challenges and problems but people should
behave responsibly. There’s no need for fighting or engaging in domestic
violence or any other form of crime,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
For individuals who would need medical services, he said
provisions will be put into place to help them and they have to communicate
with the local police. Herald
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