GOVERNMENT has threatened tough measures on lockdown
violators, especially in high-density suburbs.
Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe yesterday said there
was concern over illegal parties and shebeens being run during the lockdown and
would be forced to increase police patrols to curb the illicit activities.
“We are equally disturbed by reports of people who are
having parties at home, operating shebeens and some who are drinking beer in
groups while closing themselves inside bars and bottlestores. This poses a
serious risk to the individuals concerned and the generality of the public at
large,” he said.
Since government enforced a lockdown, which started on
March 30 and ends on Sunday, following the outbreak of coronavirus, police have
arrested 15 545 people for breaching lockdown regulations.
“A total of 15 545 people have been arrested throughout the
country for various offences related to violation of the lockdown regulations.
Besides the arrests, security agents are conducting awareness campaigns in all
parts of the country to conscientise the people on the need to comply with
COVID-19 safety measures,” Kazembe said.
Sources said government was considering roping in soldiers
to assist in enforcing the lockdown regulations, raising fears of increased
human rights abuses by security agents.
Kazembe was coy on the deployment of soldiers, only saying
if resources permit, patrols would be increased to ensure regulations are
adhered to.
“I have said we are at war with an invisible enemy. Imagine
if we were at war with an enemy who had a gun, would you need a police officer
to tell you to take cover? We need to take personal responsibility so that we
stay safe. People should stay at home,” he said.
Police boss Godwin Matanga, whose officers have come under
fire for allegedly taking bribes from lockdown violators, called on the public
to report such acts.
“I don’t have the number off-hand of police officers who
have been arrested or under investigation for corruption allegations, but any
cases of corruption will be investigated and some police officers have been
arrested,” he said. Newsday
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