THE military has been roped in to complement police in
enforcing the 21-day lockdown, a strategy that is being implemented by other
countries throughout the world to contain the spread of Covid-19.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had been enforcing the
lockdown which has seen nearly 2 000 people being arrested countrywide for
defying the stay-at-home order.
Police and soldiers are now jointly manning roadblocks and
conducting patrols in suburbs to ensure that the public complies with the
lockdown measures.
Defence and War Veterans Affairs Deputy Minister Victor
Matemadanda said the deployment of the military was an operational issue which
should be embraced as most countries have jointly deployed security forces for
improved efficiency.
“At a personal level I don’t get involved in an operational
matter. That is for the Joint Operations Command (JOC). But obviously when you
see them working together like I have always said, they get involved at the
request of the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” said Deputy Minister Matemadanda.
“But anyway, it’s not a new phenomenon in Zimbabwe, every
other country that has taken (lockdown) measures has deployed the police and
the army – all security agents to make sure that this is contained. If the
deployment is being done now, I think Zimbabwe was even the last because
everywhere else, soldiers are deployed because it is an emergency situation.”
To contain the virus, countries across the globe have
implemented lockdowns and the military is playing a crucial part.
As part of lockdown enforcement measures, neighbouring
South Africa on March 27 deployed both the army and police to ensure the public
complies with the 21-day lockdown.
In Zimbabwe, the lockdown began last week on Monday and
during this period people are required to stay at home, with only those
providing essential services allowed to report for work. Only those providing
essential services such as shops selling food and pharmacies are authorised to
open. Travel between cities and provinces has been banned and within towns and
cities, only Zupco buses provide public transport.
Movement of people and large gatherings are some of the
fastest ways the virus is spread, hence the need for citizens to confine
themselves at home.
A Chronicle news crew yesterday observed that at roadblocks
both police and soldiers were present enforcing the order.
The news crew also came across police and soldiers in
Emabuthweni suburb in Bulawayo, patrolling the area. Loitering residents
scurried for cover as the police vehicle ferrying both cops and the military
passed through the suburb.
It was also observed that although most people did not
enter the central business district (CBD) yesterday, residents were milling
around aimlessly in residential areas disregarding social distancing.
Some of the defiant people were seen in groups drinking
alcohol.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi said since last week on Monday they have arrested a total of 1 918
people for Covid-19 noncompliance.
He said the arrested included motorists who embarked on
prohibited inter-city travel and business people who have continued to operate
without exemption among others.
“Even those who are at home we have observed that they are
converging in large gatherings, throwing parties that expose their families to
the risk of contracting the virus. People are unnecessarily getting into
central business districts across the city, be it in cars or even some of them
on foot,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said some unscrupulous bar operators were
closing their doors as patrons drank beer in the premises to keep business open
in violation of the lockdown.
He said police will continue conducting raids to ensure
there is high compliance with lockdown orders. Chronicle
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