Police have arrested 485 people countrywide for failing to
abide by restrictions outlined by President Mnangagwa last week when he announced
a raft of measures to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told
The Herald last night that those arrested were found guilty of operating
shebeens, failing to observe social distance in queues, while some motorists
were also arrested for moving around aimlessly.
Asst Comm Nyathi said some of the arrested people were
abusing the exemption rule on essential services, trying to bribe or lying to
police details manning roadblocks.
In Harare, ZRP and the Harare municipal police mounted
roadblocks on several roads where people were being asked to produce letters
from employers or relevant authorities from their respective areas showing that
they are providing essential services.
Most people were asked to produce a letter or concrete
evidence clarifying the reasons of their visit in town or their final
destination.
Police dispersed some people who were loitering in the CBD.
At Africa Unity Square, few people where seen enjoying their food in the park
at mid-day, but had vanished later in the day.
Some taxis were parked along Third Street. Supermarkets
were open, but closed in the afternoon in line with the Government directive.
At most service stations fuel was available and there were short or no queues
at all.
Police also used a public address system to remind people
to stay at home.
The Herald visited a number of bus terminuses in Harare
including the usually ever-busy Simon Muzenda Street, Copacabana, Market Square
and Charge Office, among others where some people were waiting to board Zupco
buses.
Zupco buses were ferrying passengers on condition they
produced evidence that they were providers of essential services.
A number of people interviewed said they had come to town
to conduct different businesses, some collecting their medication, while others
were attending to pressing family issues like funerals and family disputes.
Mr Takunda Munemo who was in a queue waiting for a Zupco
bus at Copacabana said he had come to town to seek medication at a private
clinic in Newlands.
“I came from Kuwadzana 3 because I have an appointment with
my doctor. I came aboard a Zupco bus on the strength of my prescription. I
cannot defer the appointment with my doctor,” he said.
Another man, Mr Thomas Nyandu from Ruwa said the lockdown
was important, but Zupco buses needed to be disinfected and equipped with
sanitisers.
In some farms surrounding Harare, it was business as usual.
The Herald visited Danckwerts Farm and workers were conducting their day-to-day
duties, observing social distancing.
They had masks and gloves to avoid contact and spread of
the pandemic. Farm manager Mr Clever
Kanyama said they were complying with the Government directive in all aspects
to reduce the spread of the pandemic.
“As an institution, we have bought masks and gloves for our
workers. Every worker is provided with the safety clothes while all the
entrance to the farm have sanitisers,” he said.
Before they get into the field, the workers are required to
wash their hands and sanitised.
“In whatever we do, we prioritise keeping the prescribed
distance,” said Mr Kanyama.
A man from Glaudina, in Harare who offers car valet
services along George Silundika Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street Mr Gift Famba
said the 21-day lockdown was not sustainable for him.
“I came into town early in the morning through Bulawayo
Road using private transport to ensure I put food on the table for my
family. My kids want to eat and I have
to provide the food. That is why I am here. Otherwise my life will be
unbearable.”
Asked to explain how he managed to get into town when there
is a big roadblock at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Society stretch along Samora
Machel Avenue, Mr Famba said he used his survival skills to pass through. Herald
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