Harare (New Ziana)- Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga on Monday suspended four officers for failing to prohibit an illegal gathering in Harare’s Mbare suburb on New Year’s Eve in line with Covid-19 regulations.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said initial investigations show that the four did not perform their duties in line with government set Covid-19 regulations which prohibit gatherings in a bid to contain the pandemic.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Superitendent Innocent Makumbe, Inspector Garikayi Jiyane (Officer in Charge, Matapi), Inspector Peace Nyarai Gunhe (Duty Officer), and Assistant Inspector Vengai Mupamhanga (Duty Member) have been suspended from police duties by Commissioner General of Police pending disciplinary action.

“Investigations conducted have revealed that the senior officer and junior officers did not perform their duties according to police set standards and Government’s Covid-19 regulations in handling the illegal Mbare musical bash held by DJ Fantan and his associates on 31 December 2020,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.

Thousands of party goers attended the Mbare New Year’s Eve musical show, in defiance of authorities who had outlawed gatherings of more than 30 people in line with Covid-19 regulations.

At least 2 321 people have so far been arrested by police for violating Covid-19 lockdown measures.

As of 3 January 2021, Zimbabwe had recorded 15265 Covid 19 cases , and 11574 recoveries and 380 deaths.

Zimbabwe has again reverted to a strict national Covid-19 lockdown starting January 5, 2021 for a period of 30 days following a spike in cases of the pandemic.

New Ziana